Troopers Arrested Two in Human Trafficking Ring

Troopers Arrested Two in Human Trafficking Ring by richardbratzstatedeus

NEWS RELEASE

DELAWARE STATE POLICE

Superintendent Colonel Nathaniel McQueen Jr.

United States Department of Homeland Security

Resident Agent in Charge Jonathan Free

Presented by the Director of Public Information Sergeant Richard D. Bratz

Contacts: Delaware State Police– Sergeant Richard Bratz – 302-242-5456

U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Sarah Rodriguez 202-732-5951

Sussex County, DE- On Friday, August 19, 2016, the Delaware State Police along with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Ocean City Police Department concluded an eight month investigation into a human trafficking ring operating in Sussex County.

Beginning in December 2015, investigators obtained information that Rashawn B. Davis was running a prostitution ring out of numerous motels. Troopers then launched an investigation into the illegal activities and known associates of Rashawn B. Davis. Over the course of several months persons connected with Davis were contacted several times at local motel rooms in eastern Sussex County.

In April 2016, The Delaware State Police and agents from the Homeland Security Investigations with the help of the Ocean City Police Department led an investigation into the activities of Rashawn Davis. During this month investigators discovered Davis had recruited, George L. Dunn and showed him how to operate another prostitution ring.

Over the course of the investigation detectives were able to identify more than eight females that were current or former victims of Rashawn Davis and George Dunn. The investigation also revealed that Davis and Dunn were business associates who operated jointly and independently. Through interviews detectives learned that Davis had been operating prostitution rings out of local motels since the fall of 2015.  Dunn and Davis used coercion, verbal abuse and the withholding of heroin to control the behavior of the victims.  Dunn and Davis posted advertisements utilizing the websitehttp://www.backpage.com.  Dunn and Davis negotiated with potential clients and set all prices.  All proceeds from prostitution activities went back to Dunn and Davis.  The female victims involved were only provided with minimal amounts of heroin, and basic items like fast food and clothing.

As the result of the investigation Rashawn B. Davis was also charged with an unrelated home invasion that occurred on January 4, 2016 in the Unit block of Carriage Lane in Rehoboth Beach. During this incident two masked suspects armed with a handgun had forced their way into a residence, and forcibly removed items from a 42 year old male victim. (Original press release attached)

On Friday, August 12, 2016 George L. Dunn, 24 of Georgetown, turned himself in to troopers and was charged with the following: (Mugshot attached)

3 counts Human Trafficking-Sexual Servitude

1 count conspiracy 2nd

Joseph Dunn was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in default of $10,000.00 secured bond.

On Thursday, August 18, 2016, Rashawn B. Davis, 24 of Millsboro, was arrested without incident and charged with the following: (Mugshot attached)

2 counts of Human Trafficking-Sexual Servitude

2 counts of Conspiracy 2^nd Degree

1 count of Robbery 1^st Degree

1 count of Home Invasion

1 count of Wearing a Disguise during the Commission of a Felony

Rashawn D. Davis was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in default of $147,000 secured bond. (Additional human trafficking charges against Davis are to be added by indictment).

Victims or persons with information regarding the activities of Dunn or Davis are asked to please contact Detective J. Rowley at 302-752-3801 or Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet at www.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

Released: 082216 1301

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**Original Release**

Troopers Investigate Home Invasion, Rehoboth

Rehoboth – Troopers are investigating a home invasion that occurred in the Colonial East Development north of Rehoboth Beach late Monday evening.

The incident occurred at approximately 10:45 p.m. Monday January 4, 2016 in the unit block of Carriage Lane as two residents of the home, a 42-year-old female and a 43-year-old male, were in the living room watching television. The two heard a noise coming from outside the house and when the female victim opened the front door, three masked males pushed the door open and entered.  The female victim was able to run from the house while the three males entered and confronted the male victim with a gun.  The suspects then removed the two victim’s cell phones and a lunch box before fleeing the residence in an unknown direction.  The female was able to run to a neighbor’s house where she called 9-1-1 to report the incident.  Both victims were uninjured.

All three suspects were described as males wearing dark clothing with masks and gloves (No further physical or clothing description available). One of the suspects was possibly armed with an unknown type handgun

Troopers have determined through preliminary interviews and investigation that this was not a random act and believe the victims may have been targeted in the home invasion.

If anyone has any information in reference to this incident, they are asked to contact Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit at 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet atwww.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."

Released: 010516 1050