Thirty-seven-year-old Herman Junior Nickels, a security officer, appeared yesterday before Chief Magistrate (ag) Faith McGusty on charges of assisting others in human trafficking.
The charges allege that between August 1 and August 22, 2024, at the Red Dragon Nightclub on Robb Street, Nickels facilitated the sexual exploitation of two Venezuelan nationals.
Nickels pleaded not guilty to both charges. The prosecution informed the court that this was not the first time Nickels had faced similar allegations. However, his attorney countered, claiming Nickels had been detained beyond the legally mandated 72-hour period without appearing before the court, calling it a violation of his constitutional rights. The defence also emphasized that this was Nickels’ first official encounter with the law and requested reasonable bail terms.
The prosecution opposed bail, citing the seriousness of the charge and its prevalence. They argued that Nickels might interfere with the victims, aged 19 and 21, and highlighted the potential five-year penalty for the crime. They further requested that Nickels remain in custody until arrangements could be made for the complainants to testify in court.
In response, the defence assured the court that Nickels had no intention of contacting the complainants and was prepared to comply with any bail conditions imposed. When the magistrate inquired if Nickels was employed as a security guard at the nightclub, his attorney declined to comment.
After considering the arguments, Magistrate McGusty granted bail of $250,000 for each charge, with strict conditions. Nickels must report regularly to the police, and any attempt to contact the victims will result in immediate revocation of bail and his detention.
The case was adjourned to December 4, 2024.
