In a troubling case that has captured the attention of many in Florida, Delon Richard Smith, a 47-year-old man from Daytona Beach, has been sentenced to over 27 years in prison for his involvement in sex trafficking and conspiracy. The sentence was handed down on Thursday, marking a significant moment in the fight against human trafficking in the region.
Smith pled guilty in October 2025 to two counts of sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, as well as one count of conspiracy. The court also ordered him to pay $4,800 to the two victims he exploited. According to reports, Smith recruited these victims between 2021 and 2022, luring them in with promises of drugs and opportunities to earn money.
The Brutal Reality of Smith’s Crimes
As part of his operation, Smith posted online advertisements featuring photos of his victims and transported them to buyers of commercial sex in the Daytona Beach area. Shockingly, he kept all the proceeds from these sexual acts and subjected the women to physical abuse to force them into compliance. This abuse included severe beatings and strangulation, alongside threats tied to his affiliation with the Bloods gang.
In one alarming incident, Smith fired a weapon and pressed the hot barrel against one victim’s face as punishment for not generating enough income. In another, he struck a victim on the head with the butt of a rifle and dragged her by her hair into his car after she left a hotel room without his permission. These horrific actions highlight the dark realities of human trafficking and the lengths to which traffickers will go to maintain control over their victims.
Resources and Reporting
Individuals who suspect human trafficking can report information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24/7. It’s crucial for community members to stay informed and vigilant, as awareness is a key component in combating this pervasive issue.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced in the fight against human trafficking. The exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly women, is a serious crime that requires collective action from law enforcement, community organizations, and the public. We must continue to raise awareness and support initiatives aimed at preventing such abuses and providing help to victims.
As we reflect on this case, it’s essential to understand the broader implications of human trafficking in our society. The trauma inflicted on victims can have lasting effects, and addressing these issues is not just a matter of legal justice, but a moral imperative for all of us.
For more detailed coverage of Smith’s sentencing and the broader context of human trafficking in Florida, visit Click Orlando.