Brooklyn Man Convicted of Murder During Sex Trafficking at Penn Track in East New York

Date Posted: October 20th, 2025

Omari Scott, also known as “Prince” and “Sir Prince,” was convicted by a federal jury of murder in the course of sex trafficking and sex trafficking offenses related to two victims. The crimes took place in Brooklyn along a known open-air sex market called the “Penn Track,” located on Pennsylvania Avenue in East New York. This conviction marks the first time in the nation that someone has been found guilty at trial for murder connected to sex trafficking.

Scott was involved in trafficking women for commercial sex work and maintaining control over victims through violence and intimidation. The case focused on the May 1, 2023, murder of Cleveland Clay, a rival trafficker. Scott had a dispute with Clay over a trafficking victim, identified in court as Jane Doe 2. Evidence showed Scott recruited another trafficker, Michael Simmons, to carry out the murder by shooting Clay at close range in a White Castle parking lot near the Penn Track. Simmons later admitted to the murder and is awaiting sentencing.

Before the trial, Scott pleaded guilty to promoting prostitution and sex trafficking involving another victim, Jane Doe 1. The charges stem from Scott’s trafficking activities on the Penn Track, where he exploited women for profit.

Court evidence included recorded phone calls where Scott expressed frustration after Jane Doe 2 left his control to work for Clay. On April 30, 2023, Scott was caught on video forcibly grabbing Jane Doe 2, dragging her by the hair, and putting her into his car. The next day, he was seen arguing with Clay near the Penn Track before arranging the murder.

The trial lasted two weeks and was held before United States District Judge Kiyo A. Matsumoto. Scott faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and could be sentenced to life in prison.

Officials from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the New York Police Department announced the verdict. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said Scott is responsible for violent crimes that exploited and abused women and endangered the community. He emphasized the ongoing effort to prosecute traffickers who operate on the Penn Track and to protect victims.

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia highlighted that Scott treated women as property and used violence to keep control of his illegal business. NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch stated that the conviction sends a clear message that violent behavior related to sex trafficking will not be tolerated.

This case shines a light on the dangers of sex trafficking and the violent tactics traffickers use to control victims and eliminate rivals. It also shows the collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute those who engage in sex trafficking and related crimes.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Section led the prosecution with support from federal and local partners. Assistant United States Attorneys Erin Reid, Anna Karamigios, and Miranda Gonzalez handled the case, along with support staff focused on victim assistance.

This conviction is an important step in addressing violent sex trafficking in Brooklyn and demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to ending the exploitation of vulnerable individuals on the Penn Track.

Read the full article here.