A traffic stop in Baldwin County led to a horrifying discovery for deputies. Now, two people are facing charges in connection to what investigators believe was a human trafficking operation.
“Human trafficking is a national and international issue, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office is committed to doing our part to end this horrible crime,” the sheriff’s office stated in a press release.
Deputies with the Special Operations Unit pulled over a vehicle on Interstate 10 Wednesday for a lane violation. The driver was 20-year-old Benjamin Sapp, of Sacramento, Calif., and two women were with him, 22-year-old Breanna Chanthanam, also of Sacramento, and an 18-year-old woman. The 18-year-old had visible injuries, including bruising and lacerations on her face and a broken collar bone.
When they ran his information, deputies discovered Sapp had a warrant for a prostitution charge out of Texas. After investigating further, deputies realized the two women were likely involved in prostitution.
“Deputies determined that both Sapp and Chanthanam had recruited, were transporting, and profiting from the juvenile’s servitude, and she was a victim of human trafficking,” the sheriff’s office added.
Deputies also found marijuana and around $15,000 in cash in the vehicle.
“We are working with the Homeland Security Investigations and other federal partners with this case,” the sheriff’s office continued. “The victim has been provided resources such as counseling, she is being treated for any health issues, and she has been relocated.”
Sapp and Chanthanam are both charged with second-degree human trafficking and second-degree possession of marijuana.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don’t miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
