MIAMI (CHATNEWSTV) — A Florida man, Shannima Yuantrell Session, also known as Shalamar, was sentenced to life in prison Wednesday for sex trafficking nearly a dozen women and girls. Session, 47, of Lake Placid, was convicted by a federal jury in September on 10 counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion and three counts of sex trafficking minors.
“Protecting victims of human trafficking and child exploitation is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Michael S. Davis for the Southern District of Florida. “Human beings are not commodities to be bought and sold. Our commitment to justice is unwavering.”
Evidence presented at the trial revealed that Session exploited vulnerable women and girls between 2011 and 2019, luring them with false promises of legitimate work and housing. Many victims were struggling with homelessness, addiction, or other hardships. Session used physical violence, threats, and manipulation, including withholding food and exploiting substance abuse, to control and coerce his victims.
“Session’s actions were horrific, and this sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri. “The cooperation of law enforcement agencies was critical in dismantling this trafficking operation and bringing justice to the victims.”
Testimony detailed Session’s use of extreme violence, including beatings, choking, and threats with a firearm. Victims described being compelled to engage in commercial sex acts, sometimes with as many as 18 men in a single night. Session also used intimidation tactics, such as dragging victims to a lake and threatening to drown them.
The case was investigated by the FBI Miami Field Office and the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecutors included Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Hoover and Trial Attorneys Leah Branch and Matthew Thiman from the Justice Department’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit. A restitution hearing is scheduled for April 17.
