A young woman from LaSalle, who coerced a friend into prostitution after meeting her online, has been sentenced to house arrest, a curfew, and probation at the Montreal courthouse. The case highlights the complex dynamics of familial influence and criminal responsibility in exploitation crimes.
Judge Cites Immaturity and Maternal Influence in Sentencing
Quebec Court Judge Jean-Jacques Gagné ruled that Bryanna Abbruzzo, 24, was immature for her age, naive, and heavily influenced by her mother, Sonia Abbruzzo, 49, during the period from June to November 2022. The victim, befriended through social media, was forced into prostitution while living with the mother-daughter duo.
Judge Gagné emphasized that despite Bryanna acting under her mother's sway, she actively participated in the exploitation and failed to intervene to alleviate the victim's suffering. This factor was crucial in the sentencing decision, which aimed to balance accountability with considerations for rehabilitation.
Details of the Sentence and Judicial Reasoning
Bryanna Abbruzzo received a sentence of two years less a day, avoiding jail time. The first 12 months involve strict house arrest, followed by another 12 months with a curfew, and a subsequent probation period. Judge Gagné noted that the risk of reoffending appears low, which played a significant role in determining this non-custodial sentence.
In contrast, Sonia Abbruzzo was sentenced last year to a 72-month prison term for her central role in the crime, underscoring the premeditated and malicious nature of the exploitation. The judge highlighted that the mother and daughter controlled multiple aspects of the victim's life over nearly six months, leading to dramatic impacts on the victim.
Evidence of Harsh Treatment and Mockery
During the trial, evidence revealed that the victim was subjected to severe conditions, including being forced to sleep in Sonia Abbruzzo's garage and outdoors in the backyard. Additionally, a video presented in court showed the mother and daughter mocking the victim when she urinated in her underwear while kept outside during October 2022.
Judge Gagné remarked that while Bryanna betrayed a friend's trust, this was not considered an aggravating factor in her sentencing, focusing instead on the broader context of coercion and exploitation. The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in online relationships and the devastating effects of human trafficking.
This report provides an in-depth look at the judicial proceedings and the factors influencing the sentencing in this disturbing case of forced prostitution in Montreal.
