READING, Pa. – Three persons are going through prices in reference to a drug distribution and human trafficking ring in Berks County.
Hector Rivera, 50, and Dushawn Ellis, 31, each of Studying, in addition to Bridget Thompson, 36, of Lancaster, are going through an extended checklist of prices, together with corrupt organizations, trafficking people, prostitution and extra, in response to a information launch from Pennsylvania State Police on Monday.
A grand jury discovered the three operated a human trafficking ring in and round Studying, police stated.
Authorities say they preyed on younger girls, many homeless and affected by dependancy, and lured them into prostitution.
Investigators say Thompson was chargeable for posting ads and speaking with prospects, whereas Rivera and Ellis used medicine to lure among the victims into prostitution, then management them. Clients would pay the feminine victims, who then turned the cash over to Rivera, Ellis or Thompson, authorities allege.
“The people charged right now manipulated and abused terrified, weak younger girls. They put their victims’ lives in danger for a revenue,” stated Lawyer Common Josh Shapiro, in an announcement.
The investigation began in early 2020 when a confidential supply gave state police data to develop a number of leads and determine some victims, police stated. In Might 2021, state police offered its case to a state investigating grand jury.
In accordance with paperwork from the grand jury indictment, the trafficking occurred between August 2019 and April 2020, and the victims felt compelled to comply with orders from the three out of worry of violence.
Fees towards the three had been filed in Studying.
Rivera and Ellis had been already incarcerated in Northampton County on separate prices, and Thompson is being held in Berks County Jail.
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