BAY SHORE, NY – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Freddie Rice, 34, of Bay Shore, was found guilty after a jury trial of sex trafficking and promoting prostitution for using narcotics and financial coercion to control and exploit multiple women over a four-year period.
According to trial evidence, between August 2019 and December 2023, Rice manipulated victims suffering from heroin and crack cocaine addiction, withholding drugs to force them into performing sexual acts for money. He directed the women to meet with men, set prices for sexual acts, and demanded that all earnings be turned over to him. When victims attempted to keep any of the money, Rice “punished” them by denying drugs, causing painful withdrawal symptoms.
Prosecutors said Rice also falsely claimed the victims owed him a financial “debt,” compelling them to continue engaging in sex acts to pay him back – a debt that was never reduced regardless of how much money they earned.
On October 24, 2025, following a jury trial before Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins, Rice was convicted of two counts of Sex Trafficking (Class B felonies) and one count of Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree (Class D felony).
Rice is also awaiting sentencing on an unrelated conviction for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell and Criminal Possession of a Narcotic Drug, both Class B felonies. His criminal history includes four prior felony convictions for burglary, drug sales, and assault dating back to 2009.
He is scheduled to return to court on November 25, 2025, for sentencing and faces up to 50 years to life in prison. Rice will also be certified as a sex offender following this conviction.
Key Facts & Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Freddie Rice, 34, of Bay Shore |
| Charges | Two counts of Sex Trafficking (Class B felonies); One count of Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree (Class D felony) |
| Time Frame of Crimes | August 2019 – December 2023 |
| Victims | Multiple women addicted to heroin and/or crack cocaine |
| Method of Coercion | Withholding narcotics and claiming victims owed a “debt” |
| Conviction Date | October 24, 2025 |
| Presiding Judge | Supreme Court Justice John B. Collins |
| Pending Cases | Criminal Possession with Intent to Sell; Narcotic Possession (both Class B felonies) |
| Prior Felony Convictions | Four, including burglary, assault, and drug-related offenses |
| Potential Sentence | Up to 50 years to life in prison |
| Sex Offender Status | Will be certified as a sex offender |
| Prosecution | Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Homicide Bureau |
| Tipline | Suffolk County DA’s Human Trafficking Tipline: (631) 852-2950 |
