Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Jacksonville, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the return of an indictment charging Shaquana Quenella Brookins (31, Jacksonville) with two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; one count of conspiracy to distribute “crack” cocaine; on count of maintaining a drug-involved premise; and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. If convicted on all counts, she faces up to life in federal prison. The indictment also notifies Brookins that the United States intends to forfeit any assets alleged to be traceable proceeds of the offense. 

According to the indictment, at various times in 2014 and 2015, Brookins used force, threats of force, fraud, and coercion to cause her victims to engage in commercial sex acts; conspired with others to manufacture and distribute cocaine base, commonly known as “crack” cocaine; maintained a place for the purpose of manufacturing, distributing, and using controlled substances, including cocaine, crack cocaine, and heroin; and unlawfully possessed three firearms after being previously convicted of felonies.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed a violation of one or more federal criminal laws, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless,  and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with assistance from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Laura Cofer Taylor.

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