Two facing human trafficking charges for reportedly prostituting child from Denton hotel
A Denton man and a Ridgely woman are facing multiple human trafficking and child abuse charges after officials say an investigation revealed that they were prostituting a juvenile and injecting her with heroin.
According to the Caroline County Sheriff's Office, a joint investigation between the sheriff's office and Child Protective Services began in January after both were notified of suspected child abuse involving drugs and prostitution. Police say during their investigation they developed 26-year-old Paul Thomas Owen and 35-year-old Darlene Louise Allen as suspects.
Investigators contend that in December 2016, Owen and Allen coerced the girl to perform sexual acts on adult men in exchange for money and drugs at a hotel room at the Best Western in Denton. Officials say Allen was performing prostitution from the hotel room as well. Through the investigation, police learned that Owen reportedly sexually abused the girl during their time at the hotel.
At the end of December and in early January, investigators say Allen and Owen drove the girl to Greenwood, Del. in order to perform sexual acts with an elderly man for money.
In addition to Allen and Owen, investigators say Lori Lynn Griffith, 43, of Ridgely, was also involved with prostituting the girl. Griffith was served with a criminal summons in early February.
By early April, officials say the Caroline County State's Attorney's Office presented their case to a grand jury. The grand jury returned an indictment for Owen and Allen and the two were served with their indictments, police said.
Paul Owen is charged with various human trafficking, child abuse and drug charges including sex abuse of a minor, third degree sex offense and controlled dangerous substance possession.
Darlene Allen too faces several human trafficking and child abuse charges. Both Allen and Owen are being held at the Caroline County Detention Center on no bond.
Lori Griffith is charged with neglect of a minor and contributing to the condition of a child.
