Two arrested in connection to human trafficking ring
On Friday, the Delaware State Police along with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Ocean City Police Department reportedly concluded an eight month investigation into a human trafficking ring operating in Sussex County.
Beginning in December 2015, investigators say they got information that Rashawn Davis was running a prostitution ring out of numerous motels. Troopers then began an investigation into the illegal activities and known associates of Davis. Over the course of several months, persons apparently connected with Davis were contacted several times at local motel rooms in eastern Sussex County.
In April 2016, 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 Davis. During April, investigators say they discovered Davis had recruited George Dunn, and showed him how to operate another prostitution ring.
According to the release, detectives were able to identify more than eight females that were current or former victims of Davis and Dunn, and they also found that Davis and Dunn were business associates who operated both together and independently.
Through interviews, detectives say they were able to learn that Davis had been operating prostitution rings out of local motels since the fall of 2015.
Officials say Dunn and Davis used coercion, verbal abuse and the withholding of heroin to control the behavior of the victims. The men also posted advertisements using the website www.backpage.com, and they negotiated with potential clients and set all prices.
All proceeds from prostitution activities reportedly went back to Dunn and Davis, and 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, Davis was also charged with an unrelated home invasion that occurred on January 4 on 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 man.
On Friday, August 12, George Dunn, 24, of Georgetown, turned himself in to troopers and was reportedly charged with the following:
- 3 counts human trafficking-sexual servitude
- 1 count conspiracy 2nd
Dunn was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 2 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institute in default of $10,000 secured bond.
On Thursday, August 18, Rashawn Davis, 24, of Millsboro, was arrested without incident and reportedly charged with the following:
- 2 counts of human trafficking-sexual servitude
- 2 counts of conspiracy 2nd degree
- 1 count of robbery 1st degree
- 1 count of home invasion
- 1 count of wearing a disguise during the commission of a felony
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. Also, 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.
