Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Hoover Receives FBI Certificate of Appreciation for Leadership in Human Trafficking Prosecution

MIAMI - Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Hoover was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation signed by FBI Director Kash Patel in recognition of his outstanding work in the successful prosecution of Shannima Yuantrell Session.

The award was presented by FBI Supervisory Special Agent Peter Angell of the Fort Pierce Resident Agency at a meeting hosted by the Human Trafficking Coalition of the Treasure Coast and Okeechobee at the Martin County Sheriff's Office.

"Human trafficking is one of the most vicious crimes imaginable: it strips victims of their freedom, dignity, and humanity," said U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida. "AUSA Justin Hoover showed exceptional leadership and resolve in holding a trafficker accountable and standing up for survivors. This recognition from the FBI reflects the kind of commitment and partnership that defines the best of public service."

The certificate honors AUSA Hoover's exemplary leadership, dedication, and advocacy for victims throughout the prosecution of Session, who was convicted by a federal jury in September 2024 following a nine-day trial. Session was subsequently sentenced to life in federal prison for trafficking nearly a dozen women and girls and exploiting their vulnerabilities over multiple years.

Evidence at trial demonstrated that Session lured his victims with false promises of legitimate employment and housing assistance, then used violence, coercion, and intimidation tactics - including physical assault and firearm threats - to control them. Session also manipulated victims' substance abuse issues to compel them into commercial sex acts.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org. Information on the Justice Department's efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

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