HARRISBURG – Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that a lieutenant in a Philadelphia-based human trafficking organization will serve 2 to 4 years in prison for his role in the highly-profitable commercial sex operation.
Thomas Reilly, 57, served as a driver for sex workers and procured drugs that were used to control victims with addiction issues.
On Friday, a Philadelphia County Judge sentenced Reilly to state prison, followed by seven years of probation. Reilly previously pleaded guilty to felony counts of human trafficking, involuntary servitude, corrupt organizations, and promoting prostitution.
For years, Reilly worked in tandem with Terrance L. Jones, the group’s ringleader, who was recently convicted at trial.
“This defendant was a primary contributor in a criminal enterprise that exploited, abused, and devalued individuals who were used for dollars,” Attorney General Sunday said. “I commend our Human Trafficking Section and Pennsylvania State Police for building this case and bringing this vile conduct out of the shadows.”
In court Friday, a victim told the judge that Reilly controlled her by providing her drugs and forcing her to stay with him, rather than her home, as a means of payback.
“My body was never a form of payment,” the woman said. “My vulnerability was never an invitation. And my circumstances did not give (Reilly), or anyone else, the right to violate me.”
Jones, 54, was convicted by a judge last month of eight charges in all, and will be sentenced on Dec. 11.
The highly-profitable criminal organization generated hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. Jones employed drivers, including Reilly, to transport trafficked individuals to “dates” and posed as a female to recruit sex workers. The criminal network typically targeted people with substance abuse disorder or other hardships.
The charges resulted from a years-long, comprehensive investigation by the Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania State Police, and 50th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury, which heard testimony and returned a presentment about conduct spanning from 2012 to 2023.
This case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney Zachary Wynkoop.
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