Man sentenced for role in human trafficking case

A man accused of a being a co-conspirator in a human trafficking case entered a plea and was sentenced on Monday morning.

36-year-old Marcus Foreman, originally from Worcester County but currently living in Salisbury according to family,  entered an Alford Plea and was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a human trafficking ring that took place at America’s Best Value Inn in Salisbury in November 2014.

Wicomico County State’s attorney Matt Maciarello says Foreman, who was also known as “Murder”, worked in the capacity of a “look-out” at the hotel where women were held against their will and forced to have sex for money.

“But still when you’re actively participating, when you’re aiding or encouraging, you’re just as responsible for the crimes as anyone else in the organization is and that’s why he’s criminally responsible.” Says Maciarello.

16 of the original 18 counts were dismissed and Foreman waived his right to a trial by jury Monday. By entering an Alford Plea to two counts, both of which included human trafficking charges, it meant he did not necessarily admit guilt but realizes there is enough evidence for a conviction.

Judge Donald Davis sentenced Foreman to 10 years for each count, suspending all but 7.5 years which means he’ll spend the next 15 years in prison plus 2 years of probation.

Cornelius Briddell, the convicted ring leader was sentenced to 145 years in July.

“When you compare it to Mr. Briddell’s role, it was certainly far and away.” Explains Maciarello. “He had less culpability than the head of the organization but his participation still was criminal. His participation still was abhorrent to the state.”

In court Monday, Foreman’s mother described him as a “good son” and said that he was “never a problem”.

In tears, one victim gave a statement before the judge handed down the sentence explaining that she had felt like a “money sign”. She said the entire ordeal had impacted her life negatively in every way, and she now suffers from depression and anxiety.

Foreman is the 4th co-defendant to appear in court.

We’ve learned the 5th and final co-defendant, Mary Paulos, is scheduled to go to trial on Wednesday.