(Hartford, CT) - Sharmese L. Walcott, Hartford Judicial District State’s Attorney, today announced that a Superior Court jury in Hartford on October 7, 2026 found Gordon Newkirk, age 63, of Hartford, guilty of five counts of Trafficking in Persons, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-192a(a)(3), one count of Promoting Prostitution in the First Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-86(a)(1), and one count of Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-88.
On September 27, 2023, Bloomfield Police received a 911 call from an individual who was living in Newkirk’s home. The caller reported that she had witnessed a physical altercation that occurred between Newkirk and another resident. An investigation showed that Newkirk had posted ads online that advertised women being available for sexual services. The Bloomfield Police Department in conjunction with the Regionalized Human Trafficking Recovery Taskforce further discovered that Newkirk would befriend certain women and bonded one out of prison before providing them with housing and in return, the women would be required to conduct sexual dates that were arranged by Newkirk.
State’s Attorney Walcott and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Olivia Jones prosecuted the case with the assistance of Inspector Robert Nesci and Paralegal Specialist Kelly Randall. The Honorable Courtney M. Chaplin presided over the trial.
Sentencing is scheduled for December 9, 2026 in Hartford Superior Court.