LAUREL, MD (ABC7) — A Laurel man has been charged with prostitution and human trafficking of two girls, ages 13 and 15.
Howard County police say a female undercover officer, posing as a teen girl, reached out to a 13-year-old girl who appeared in online prostitution ads, and asked her how she could make money. The 13-year-old girl told the undercover office to meet her in a public place in Columbia where she and an older man would pick her up.
Officers were waiting for the teen and the man at the location. A 15-year-old girl was also with them, police say. The driver was identified as Arthur Coleman, 46.
Police found cash, condoms, and multiple cell phones in the car, according to a police statement. After investigating, police say they believe Coleman was arranging for the girls to meet men to have sex in hotel rooms or at locations chosen by the men in Maryland, D.C., or Virginia.
Police charged Coleman with human trafficking, prostitution, and multiple other sex-related offenses.
According to the police statement:
Howard County has an ongoing effort to combat prostitution, human trafficking and related offenses. The county recently created a dedicated account to fund victims’ services and additional police training, and added a second full-time detective to investigate human trafficking cases. Investigators are focused on arresting traffickers and offering assistance to victims through housing, treatment, transportation and other help.
Howard County detectives also regularly monitor the website Backpage, which is known by police to be used for prostitution, often involving girls who are victims of trafficking. Police recently placed their own ad on Backpage, warning men not to engage in prostitution or human trafficking in Howard County.
Anyone with information about human trafficking in Howard County should call 410-313-STOP or email HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.