Donny Long, a former adult performer, is set to face trial on February 10, 2025, marking the latest development in a legal saga that began more than a year ago.

Donny Long, who was arrested in November 2023 on multiple serious charges, attended a status hearing earlier today where the trial date was confirmed. The proceedings are expected to last for one week.

Long’s arrest in 2023 followed an investigation that uncovered a litany of allegations against him, including human trafficking (coercion of a commercial sex act), financial benefit from forced labor services, witness tampering, and harassment, attempted extortion of a judge, and threats or harassment of a judge. In a particularly disturbing turn, a subsequent investigation led to the addition of a charge related to sexual contact with an animal, stemming from evidence discovered at the time of his arrest.

In June 2024, the court determined that Donny Long was mentally unfit to stand trial, citing concerns about his mental competency. He was subsequently committed to a mental institution for several months. However, after undergoing treatment and appearing before the court again, he was deemed competent to face the charges against him.

The upcoming trial will address five charges, including:

• Extortion or threatening another person (836.05-1)
• Harassing a judge with intent to coerce or intimidate (836.12-3)
• Corruption through threats to a public servant or their family (838.021-3B)
• Sexual contact with an animal (828.126-2A)
• Financial benefit from forced labor (Z787.06-3B)

Donny Long’s case has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the charges and his previous high-profile career in the adult entertainment industry. The timeline of events, from his arrest to his time in a mental health facility, underscores the complexity of the case.

Court officials and attorneys involved in the case have yet to release detailed statements. However, the upcoming trial is expected to bring clarity to the allegations and provide an opportunity for witnesses and evidence to be presented.

If convicted, Donny Long faces substantial legal penalties, with charges such as human trafficking carrying significant prison sentences under Florida law.

In Florida, the sentencing guidelines for specific offenses are outlined in the state’s statutes. Here is a summary of the penalties associated with each of the mentioned charges:

1. Extortion or Threatening Another Person (Florida Statute 836.05-1):
   • Classification: Second-degree felony.
   • Penalties: Punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a fine of up to $10,000.
2. Harassing a Judge with Intent to Coerce or Intimidate (Florida Statute 836.12-3):
   • Classification: Third-degree felony.
   • Penalties: Punishable by up to 5 years in prison, 5 years of probation, and a fine of up to $5,000.
3. Corruption Through Threats to a Public Servant or Their Family (Florida Statute 838.021-3B):
   • Classification: Second-degree felony.
   • Penalties: Punishable by up to 15 years in prison, 15 years of probation, and a fine of up to $10,000.
4. Sexual Contact with an Animal (Florida Statute 828.126-2A):
   • Classification: First-degree misdemeanor.
   • Penalties: Punishable by up to 1 year in jail, 1 year of probation, and a fine of up to $1,000.
5. Financial Benefit from Forced Labor (Florida Statute 787.06-3B):
   • Classification: First-degree felony.
   • Penalties: Punishable by up to 30 years in prison, 30 years of probation, and a fine of up to $10,000.