A federal judge in Florida has handed down a severe sentence to Delon Richard Smith, a 47-year-old man from Daytona, after concluding a case that exposed a sustained pattern of violence and coercion.
Smith will spend 327 months (over 27 years) in federal prison following his guilty plea to multiple sex trafficking offenses.
In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Smith to pay $4,800 in restitution to two women he exploited, acknowledging at least a portion of the financial harm caused by his crimes.
What Smith Admitted to in Court
Smith pleaded guilty in October 2025 to two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, along with one count of conspiracy to commit the same crimes. These charges stem from actions that prosecutors say were deliberate, calculated, and sustained over time.
Federal law treats sex trafficking involving force or coercion as one of the most serious human rights crimes, carrying mandatory minimum sentences and allowing for decades-long prison terms.
Violence Used as a Tool of Control
Court records paint a disturbing picture of how Smith maintained control over his victims. Prosecutors detailed repeated incidents of physical assaults, threats, and intimidation, all aimed at forcing the women to continue engaging in commercial sex for his benefit.
The abuse went far beyond verbal threats. Smith routinely punched and choked the victims and invoked alleged gang ties to instill fear. In one particularly horrifying incident, he fired a gun and pressed the hot barrel against a victim’s face as punishment for not earning enough money.
Recruitment Through Drugs and False Promises
Smith first approached the victims separately in 2021 and 2022, using a familiar tactic seen in many trafficking cases: vulnerability. According to investigators, he lured them with narcotics and promises of quick income, only to trap them in a cycle of exploitation.
Once under his control, Smith arranged online advertisements using one victim’s photographs and transported the women around the Daytona Beach area to meet sex buyers.
Total Control Over Money and Movement
The victims never saw the money they earned. Smith kept all proceeds from the commercial sex acts and used violence to ensure compliance.
If a victim attempted to assert independence, the punishment was immediate and severe. In one case, after a woman left a hotel room without permission, Smith struck her in the head with a gun, dragged her by the hair, and forced her back into his car.
Federal Authorities Condemn the Crimes
Justice Department officials emphasized that the sentence reflects the gravity of Smith’s actions. Prosecutors described his conduct as a clear example of how traffickers reduce people to commodities for profit.
Federal authorities also stressed that sex trafficking is not a victimless crime, noting that survivors often suffer long-term physical, psychological, and emotional trauma.
Law Enforcement Collaboration Brought the Case Forward
The investigation was led by the FBI’s Jacksonville Field Office, working alongside the Daytona Beach Police Department. Officials credited the successful prosecution to close coordination between local and federal agencies, as well as the courage of the victims who came forward.
The case was prosecuted by attorneys from the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
A Broader Crackdown on Human Trafficking
This case is part of a wider federal effort to combat human trafficking nationwide. In recent years, the Justice Department has increased prosecutions under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, focusing on offenders who use violence, drugs, or psychological manipulation to control victims.
Authorities continue to urge the public to remain vigilant, as trafficking often occurs in plain sight, including hotels, online platforms, and local neighborhoods.
How to Report Human Trafficking
Anyone with information about suspected human trafficking is encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. The hotline operates 24 hours a day and provides confidential assistance to victims and tips to law enforcement.
Additional resources and information are available through the U.S. Department of Justice’s human trafficking initiatives.
What Comes Next
With sentencing complete, Smith will now be transferred into federal custody to begin serving his term. For the victims, the legal process may be over, but recovery is often long and complex. Advocates say continued access to counseling, housing support, and medical care remains critical.
For prosecutors and investigators, the case stands as a reminder that aggressive enforcement and survivor cooperation can dismantle even the most violent trafficking operations—and ensure offenders are held accountable under the law.
