Human trafficking fugitive arrested, Miami Gardens police say

Women from Palm Beach rehab held for prostitution in Miami Gardens

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Johnnie Randell Wilson Pigatt picked up the two women from a rehabilitation center in Palm Beach County, beat them and forced them into prostitution, according to the Miami Gardens Police Department. 

Late last year, officers found the women at a house, 121 NW 188 St., steps away from Hibiscus Elementary School. 

The women told investigators Pigatt first offered a 21-year-old woman and 25-year-old woman a place to stay in Miami Gardens, but he later held them there against their will. Detectives believe he used Backpage.com to start a brothel at the house. 

According to Officer Carlos Austin officers arrested Pigatt on Thursday, and prosecutors are charging him with human trafficking. 


About the Author
Andrea Torres headshot

The Emmy Award-winning journalist joined the Local 10 News team in 2013. She wrote for the Miami Herald for more than 9 years and won a Green Eyeshade Award.

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