Man reportedly arrested for human trafficking in Rehoboth Beach
On Friday, detectives from the Delaware State Police Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit say they received information that a Wilmington man was running a prostitution ring out of a Rehoboth area motel.
Detectives and Special Agents with Homeland Security reportedly began conducting surveillance on the hotel as well as communicating directly with the phone number associated with the prostitution advertisements listed on http://www.backpage.com.
On Saturday, Marcus Smith, 32, of Wilmington, and two women left the hotel, and troopers and task force members reportedly conducted a traffic stop on his car. Officials say Smith was then taken into custody without incident.
According to the report, a search of Smith revealed he was in possession of over $1,400 in suspected prostitution proceeds, and Smith, the two women, as well as Smith’s 6-month-old daughter, were all taken back to Troop 7 in Lewes.
Through the investigation it was learned that over the last several months, Smith apparently went to several hotels throughout the state of Delaware and used coercion, verbal abuse and the withholding of heroin to control the behavior of the victims. He reportedly posted advertisements using the website http://www.backpage.com, negotiated with potential clients, and set all prices.
Officials say that all proceeds from prostitution activities went back to Smith, and he gave the the female victims heroin, along with basic items such as food and clothing.
According to the report, Marcus Smith was charged with two counts of human trafficking, sexual servitude, and endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned at JP3 and committed to Sussex Correctional Institution on $105,000 cash bond.
Officials say that temporary lodging was established for the two female victims by the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit, and the Division of Family Services was contact in reference to the 6-month-old girl who was eventually turned over to the custody of a relative.
Victims or persons with information regarding the activities of Marcus Smith 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, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 using the keyword “DSP.”
