Daytona Man Convicted of Human Trafficking, Battery

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Derick Jones of Daytona Beach was convicted last week on several felony charges, most notably human trafficking and prostitution. Jones was charged with several heinous acts related to both human and drug running. According to police, three victims came forward last year to describe the abuse inflicted upon them by Jones, one of whom was beaten to the point of blindness. A search warrant was obtained and served for a hotel on South Ridgewood Ave, where police discovered Jones and gathered evidence of his crimes. Overall, Jones was charged with felony battery, armed trafficking in fentanyl, methamphetamine possession, possession of a weapon, firearm and of ammunition by a convicted felon, cannabis possession, paraphernalia possession, and false imprisonment. He was held with no bond from the point of his arrest on December 16th. Prior charges for Jones date back to 1993, and include heroin possession, battery, and selling heroin within 1,000 feet of a child care facility. With Jones’ conviction on the books, the next step will be his sentencing on Thursday. He’s facing possible life in prison for these latest crimes.