NEW YORK, NY – A 65-year-old Brooklyn man originally from Barbados has been sentenced to 13 to 29 years in prison following his conviction on sex trafficking and related charges, Suffolk County prosecutors announced.
Michael Howell was found guilty by a jury in August of using drugs, violence, and threats to force a woman into prostitution across Suffolk County and other areas between April 2023 and February 2024.
According to trial evidence, Howell controlled the victim by supplying her with crack-cocaine and heroin, then confiscating all money she earned from sex acts. He rented hotel rooms, posted online advertisements promoting her, and used physical violence – including slamming her head into a wall – when she resisted his demands. Howell also claimed the victim owed him money for drugs and lodging to maintain control over her.
The defendant used drugs and violence to exploit and dehumanize a vulnerable victim for his own profit,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Today’s sentence reflects our commitment to pursuing justice for survivors and holding traffickers fully accountable.”
On February 1, 2024, Howell was arrested and found in possession of fentanyl and a significant quantity of cocaine.
Following a jury trial before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis, Howell was convicted on August 26, 2025, of:
- Two counts of Sex Trafficking (Class B felonies)
- Promoting Prostitution in the Second Degree (Class C felony)
- Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree (Class D felony)
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree (Class C felony)
- Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree (Class A misdemeanor)
On sentencing, he was ordered to serve a term of 13 to 29 years in state prison.
Suffolk County Pimp
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Michael Howell, 65, from Brooklyn, originally from Barbados |
| Victim | Adult woman (identity withheld) |
| Crimes Occurred | April 2023 – February 2024 |
| Arrest Date | February 1, 2024 |
| Conviction Date | August 26, 2025 |
| Charges | – Two counts of Sex Trafficking (Class B felonies) – Promoting Prostitution 2nd Degree (Class C felony) – Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree (Class D felony) – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 4th Degree (Class C felony) – Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th Degree (Class A misdemeanor) |
| Sentence | 13 to 29 years in state prison |
| Judge | Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis |
Q&A: Suffolk County
What is Sex Trafficking under New York law?
Sex trafficking involves using force, threats, intimidation, or drugs to compel another person to engage in sexual acts for money. It is classified as a Class B felony in New York, carrying severe penalties due to the exploitation and violence involved.
Why is the sentence 13 to 29 years?
Under New York’s indeterminate sentencing system, certain felony convictions carry a minimum and maximum term. In Howell’s case, the court set a minimum of 13 years, meaning he must serve at least that before becoming eligible for parole. The maximum term of 29 years establishes the outer limit of his prison sentence.
What role did drugs play in this case?
Prosecutors established that Howell used crack-cocaine and heroin to manipulate and control the victim. He also confiscated all earnings from sex acts and added financial pressure by claiming she owed him money for drugs and hotel rooms.
What happens after sentencing?
Howell will serve his sentence in a New York State correctional facility. If paroled after the minimum 13 years, he will remain under strict supervision for the balance of his maximum sentence.
