Laura Gómez

In the season 16 premiere, Sergeant Benson (Hargitay) juggles work and her new role as foster mother to baby Noah Porter. Amaro (Pino), now working the traffic beat in Queens, arrests an underage prostitute with connections to Noah’s mother Ellie, who was “greenlit” by her pimp and brutally murdered. Amaro’s undercover work sets off a chain of events that puts everyone connected to the case - even baby Noah - in danger. Meanwhile, a new detective assigned to Manhattan SVU (guest star Peter Scanavino) starts off on the wrong foot.

Working undercover to bust a sex trafficking ring, Det. Carisi (Peter Scanavino) stumbles upon Martha Thornhill (guest star Lili Taylor), a mother who has embedded herself as a Madame in the organization for three years in hopes of finding and saving her daughter, Ariel. Martha joins forces with the SVU and they work together to bust the pimp and his cohorts, but Ariel is still missing. Meanwhile, Sgt. Benson (Mariska Hargitay) is confronted with a harsh revelation that will change her life forever.

Sgt. Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and ADA Barba (Raúl Esparza) take Johnny D (guest star Charles Halford) to trial for sex trafficking, rape, assault and kidnapping. But when Baby Noah's adoption becomes entangled in the case, Benson fears for Noah's future and his safety. In an intense courtroom showdown, the SVU will face a threat that could change the squad forever.

Piper says goodbye to her fiancé Larry and surrenders herself at the prison. Once inside, she quickly makes enemies.

Tempers flare when bed bugs invade; as Alex cracks, Red lashes out at Piper; Aleida interferes with Daya and Bennett; Caputo gets bad news.

Piper discovers she has a surprising new admirer. Will “Crazy Eyes” be her boo? Sophia reveals a new side.