Sussex County, Del. — A Lewes man has been convicted on multiple federal charges connected to a years-long sex trafficking operation that targeted vulnerable women. Following a seven-day trial, a jury in the District of Delaware found 68-year-old Clifton Gibbs guilty of seven counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, five counts of forced labor, and one count of transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. The U.S. Department of Justice announced the verdict on Tuesday. According to court documents, Gibbs exploited at least 13 women between 2014 and 2020, using heroin and cocaine addiction to control victims through manipulation and withdrawal. Authorities say he combined this with physical violence to coerce victims into commercial sex, panhandling, theft, and other labor—all for personal profit. Three of the victims were allegedly trafficked across state lines. Gibbs’ co-defendant, 46-year-old Brooke Waters, admitted guilt to related charges and played a supporting role in the operation, including organizing thefts and facilitating online advertising. The investigation, led by Homeland Security, began in 2015 after both defendants were arrested during a traffic stop involving two victims. Further allegations surfaced in subsequent years, with multiple victims corroborating claims of coercion, forced theft, and abuse. A 2021 report to the National Human Trafficking Hotline reactivated the case. Prosecutors noted that delays in the investigation were caused by communication challenges and the deaths of several victims. Gibbs faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled at a later date.
