Philadelphia Human Trafficking Lieutenant Sentenced to Prison

Thomas Reilly, a 57-year-old lieutenant in a Philadelphia-based human trafficking organization, was sentenced on Friday to two to four years in state prison followed by seven years of probation for his role in a commercial sex operation, the PA Office of Attorney General reported.

Reilly worked as a driver for sex workers and procured drugs used to control victims struggling with substance abuse. He previously pleaded guilty in Philadelphia County Court to felony counts of human trafficking, involuntary servitude, corrupt organizations, and promoting prostitution.

“This defendant was a primary contributor in a criminal enterprise that exploited, abused, and devalued individuals who were used for dollars,” Attorney General Dave Sunday said.

For years, Reilly operated alongside Terrance L. Jones, the 54-year-old ringleader of the criminal network. The operation generated hundreds of thousands of dollars annually by targeting individuals facing substance abuse disorders or other hardships, according to investigators.

During Friday’s sentencing hearing, one of the survivors addressed the court directly to describe how Reilly maintained control over her by supplying drugs and compelling her to stay with him as a form of payback.

Philadelphia Human Trafficking Lieutenant Sentenced to Prison

“My vulnerability was never an invitation. And my circumstances did not give Reilly, or anyone else, the right to violate me.”

Jones was convicted by a judge last month on eight total charges after a years-long investigation conducted by the Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the 50th Statewide Investigating Grand Jury, which examined criminal conduct spanning from 2012 to 2023. The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy Attorney General Zachary Wynkoop.

Jones is scheduled to appear for sentencing on Dec. 11.