Online ad leads to human trafficking bust

Linthicum, MD — Anne Arundel County Police say an online ad led to a human trafficking bust in Linthicum back on September 6.

Vice detectives saw a prostitution ad on a website, which led them to a hotel located in the 1300 block of Winterson Road in Linthicum.

A woman solicited an undercover detective for sex in exchange for money and two male suspects were observed exiting the hotel and leaving in a vehicle.

The suspects were later identified as Saeed Ebrahimnejad, of Columbia, and Benjamin Wagner, of Windsor Mill.

Further investigation revealed that Ebrahimnejad and Wagner had been holding the woman against her will and forcing her to engage in prostitution. Additionally, detectives learned that Ebraimnejad had assaulted her on several occasions.

Detectives located and arrested Ebrahimnejad and Wagner and found both suspects to be in possession of crack cocaine (total weight of 22.81 grams).

A search warrant was executed at the hotel room resulting in the recovery of numerous pieces of evidence including a handgun registered to Ebrahimnejad.

The victim was taken to an area hospital for treatment and provided with shelter resources and other services.