Attorney General – NBC 6 South Florida

A Pembroke Pines woman was arrested on sex trafficking charges after authorities say she forced several women into prostitution, giving them heroin and fentanyl to “overpower” them.

Elise Mizrachi, 41, faces human trafficking and other charges, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody announced Friday.

Pembroke Pines police began investigating Mizrachi after a few of his alleged victims escaped and came forward, Moody said.

Investigators found that Mizrachi, who was already on probation for heroin trafficking, had recruited several women addicted to fentanyl and heroin and forced them into prostitution.

The women were recruited in Miami, although one woman was recruited in Pennsylvania, and were promised access to medication and a way to earn money, Moody said.

Mizrachi then forced the women into prostitution and took most, if not all, of the profits, Moody said.

Authorities said Mizrachi photographed each woman and posted the photos on various commercial sex websites, then solicited buyers for the victims and directed the women to appointments.

Mizrachi would distribute heroin or fentanyl to victims at certain times of the day to keep them under control, investigators said.

“This depraved human trafficker targeted women struggling with addiction, giving them heroin and fentanyl to coerce them into sex in exchange for money – most of which the defendant kept,” Moody said in a statement. “I am grateful to those who have come forward to report these horrific crimes to the police.”

Records showed Mizrachi was being held Friday in a Broward County jail. Attorney information was not available.

Moody said anyone suspecting human trafficking should call Florida's new statewide tip line at 855-FLA-SAFE.