A Buffalo couple has pleaded guilty to managing a prostitution ring out of their Andover Avenue apartment. The Erie County District Attorney's Office says 29-year-old Tempestt Finch has pleaded guilty to one count of Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree and 30-year-old Christopher Jones has pleaded guilty to one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree in Erie County Court today.
The convictions come amid an increased focus on human trafficking and crimes of exploitation by the DA's Office.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Flaherty says the investigation into Finch and Jones began when one of the women Finch was promoting attempted to leave the Andover Apartment, but was physically confronted by Finch. The incident led to an hours-long standoff with Buffalo Police and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle used by Jones in the operation of the prostitution enterprise.
The Erie County Sheriff's Office and Buffalo Police uncovered an extensive paper trail connecting Finch to dozens of online advertisements soliciting patrons for the women she exploited. Several of the patrons were identified through the search of records and provided evidence against Finch.
Each defendant faces up to seven years in prison when they are sentenced on July 7.
