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Orange County, Fla. — Russell “Bruce” Moncrief, a well-known Orlando/Brevard-area bail bondsman and owner of Moncrief Bail Bonds, was arrested today by the Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation (MBI) on multiple charges of human trafficking and racketeering. The arrest follows a multi-year investigation that uncovered a disturbing pattern of coercion and exploitation involving vulnerable women within the criminal justice system.
According to MBI, Moncrief allegedly leveraged his position to manipulate women who were desperate for bail, demanding sexual favors in exchange for his services. Victims reported that Moncrief would coerce them into sexual acts, threatening to withhold bail assistance if they refused. This exploitation reportedly went on for over a decade, with Moncrief allegedly using his power and influence as a bondsman to prey on women in need.
Attorney General Ashley Moody condemned Moncrief’s alleged actions in a statement today, saying, “The defendant used his position as a bail bondsman to prey on women in the criminal justice system. After bailing his victims out of jail, he continued to use his power over them to sell the women for sex to others for his own financial gain.” Moody emphasized the importance of exposing such abuse of power and vowed to prosecute Moncrief to the fullest extent of the law.
Moncrief Bail Bonds, which has been in operation since 1978, serves multiple counties, including Orange, Osceola, Brevard, and Pinellas. Despite his long-standing presence and reputation, Moncrief’s arrest has cast a dark shadow over his business and the broader bail industry in Florida.
The investigation into Moncrief was reportedly intensified after the 2020 arrest of John Gillespie, a Brevard County attorney, on similar human trafficking charges. Gillespie, who remains in custody, was accused of using his legal practice to recruit women into prostitution. His case revealed systemic vulnerabilities and highlighted how individuals in positions of trust could exploit those within the justice system. This case provided crucial context for the MBI’s continued probe, eventually leading to Moncrief’s arrest.
Victims are calling for greater oversight in Florida’s bail bond and legal sectors, especially when it comes to protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation by those entrusted with helping them. Moncrief’s case will be prosecuted by the Office of Statewide Prosecution, and authorities have indicated they are committed to bringing justice to the victims affected by his alleged actions.
The Space Coast Rocket will continue to follow this case as more details emerge, shedding light on the impact of Moncrief’s arrest on the industry and the victims who have come forward.
