MIAMI – Rodney “Grinch” Poucely, 36, is facing multiple charges in three pending cases in Miami-Dade County, including human trafficking, sexual abuse, and fraud. Prosecutors have accused him of exploiting vulnerable minors, particularly those in foster care, using marijuana and alcohol as tools to lure them into a life of sexual exploitation.
One of Poucely’s victims, a 13-year-old girl in foster care, reported that he offered her and her friends a job selling marijuana before taking them to a Miami-Dade home, where he isolated and raped her. The man, later identified as a human trafficker, preyed on children who had experienced trauma from abuse or neglect. Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle explained, “These individuals know that the trauma foster care children have usually experienced makes them easier to manipulate and control.”
Another victim, a 14-year-old girl, said Poucely approached her at a gas station in the Goulds neighborhood. He offered marijuana in exchange for sex and asked her to recruit other girls to exploit.
Poucely’s criminal history includes numerous arrests. At 18, he was arrested for attempted strong-arm robbery, battery, and trespassing. His record also includes arrests for marijuana possession, trespassing, and grand theft.
Currently in custody at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, Poucely faces 18 charges across three cases. These include attempted sexual battery, promoting sexual performance by a child, kidnapping for lewd acts, human trafficking, and custody interference. In a separate case, he faces charges related to fraud, including the use of personal identification and credit card fraud.
Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Carlos Gamez is presiding over the cases, which continue to unfold.
