A 25-year-old woman from Falconer is set to face a prison term following her confession to the serious crimes of sex trafficking individuals afflicted with drug addiction, and illicit drug dealing. Cora Waddington pleaded guilty on charges of conspiracy to hold with the intention of distributing, specifically, quantities of 40 grams and more of fentanyl and over 50 grams of methamphetamine. She also confessed to reaping financial benefits from her involvement in human trafficking. There are severe punishments set for such offenses, which range from a mandatory minimum sentence of five years, up to a possibility of life in prison.
The available court records provide a detailed account of the circumstances of this case. Note that the timeline of events covers a span from October to December of 2022. During this period, Waddington was found to have conspired with two individuals named Zaid Mendoza, also known under the alias Diamond, and Kelvin O. Thomas. Their collective objective was to run a sex trafficking ring exploiting two individuals affected by severe drug addictions.
Waddington, together with her co-conspirators Mendoza and Thomas, provided the victims with basic necessities: housing within a residence along W. Main Street in Falconer, food, clothing, and consistent quantities of dangerous drugs. The daily supply of heroin and fentanyl was directly linked to the victims performing commercial sex services in exchange for monetary gain. The money accrued from this arrangement was directed towards Mendoza.
Mendoza then provided for Waddington by supplying her with food, clothing, additional money to spend, and quantities of methamphetamine and heroin. Victims were coerced into realising the disturbing scheme of commercial sex, with pressure applied through direct threat and force. These incidents of commercial sex work occurred at multiple locations, encompassing the supposed ‘safe’ shelter at their W. Main Street residence as well as external venue or ‘out calls’, with Waddington serving as the victims’ transporter.
The sex trafficking scheme masterminded by Waddington and her associates deployed the internet as a platform to draw in potential customers. Their operation was diverse and sinister in scope, exploiting vulnerable individuals in multiple and grotesque ways. Despite all this, Waddington wasn’t merely a participant in this vicious cycle, she held a significant leadership role amid Mendoza’s drug trafficking initiative.
She played a strongly influential role in Mendoza’s drug syndicate, going beyond participation and fully utilizing her authority over the victims and Mendoza’s additional clients. Her duties included the distribution of the drugs – heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. While it may appear that Waddington’s activities were unchallenged, fate eventually caught up with her in October 2022.
It was during a fortuitous stop of her vehicle by law enforcement, which also had Mendoza as a passenger, her illicit activities came under scrutiny. An already conferred outstanding warrant against her triggered her arrest at that new incident. A thorough search by the officers resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine in Waddington’s possession, along with a stash of fentanyl found on Mendoza.
On December 7, 2022, the scene of so many of their crimes, the West Main Street residence, was subjected to a search warrant. A wealth of incriminating evidence was uncovered during the operation. Law enforcement discovered and confiscated currency, tools associated with drug use and distribution, a semi-automatic firearm, and a variety of plastic bags containing different illicit drugs.
This complex case is wrapped up following intensive investigations spearheaded by local and federal law enforcement agencies. Their diligent efforts resulted in the successful arrest and subsequent guilty plea by Waddington. This operation was carried out under the banner of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), a nationally recognized integrated program against organized drug trafficking.
The investigation was not conducted in isolation. It also received the help and cooperation of the local Human Trafficking Task Force. This is a collaborative task force made up of various law enforcement agencies and social service organizations, working synergistically to unearth and penalize human trafficking cases.
The investigation showcases an excellent example of cross-departmental collaboration. The authorities worked tirelessly, utilizing their skills and resources on multiple fronts to bring these criminals to justice. The efforts of these professionals have significantly strengthened the fight against such forms of organized crime.
Reflecting on the heinous actions Waddington engaged in, it is necessary to highlight the importance of such collective efforts in preventing the perpetuation of these acts. The collaboration and tirelessness of the involved departments have helped uncover and end a horrific chain of exploitation.
Upon pleading guilty to her crimes, Waddington now awaits her sentencing, scheduled to take place on May 13, 2025. The court will decide, following due legal process, the nature and severity of her punishment.
Let it serve as a warning that there is a zero-tolerance policy towards such actions. An intense network of law enforcement is ready and equipped to hunt down those who perpetrate such damning cruelties upon humanity. The relentless pursuit of justice continues, highlighting the accomplishment of law enforcement agencies while sending a stern message to individuals and syndicates considering such illegal activities.