As the investigation into a sex-for-housing scheme expands, Benson's loyalty to Garland is tested. Rollins and Carisi try to keep their witnesses on board when a powerful congressman is identified as a suspect.
A fringe, possibly trafficked 17-year-old leads her rap crew to a rival's hideout under the guise of a hookup text. Homicide gets involved, and her mere involvement vs. masterminding come to question.
When a popular fighter doesn't show up for the biggest bout of the year, Rollins and Velasco are drawn into a complicated web of secrets. McGrath confides in Benson.
Rollins and Fin investigate an assault in Kentucky that has striking similarities to that of a victim found in Central Park; Benson receives intel that turns the case upside down.
When the only evidence in a crime is a church confession, Carisi must find another way to prove his suspect guilty. Benson agrees to meet with an old friend seeking to make amends for past transgressions.
The SVU provides help and protection for a longtime domestic violence victim, but when she winds up at the defendant's table in court, Rollins surprises Carisi with a formidable opponent at trial.