Thirteen Arrested In Statewide Human Trafficking Sting In South Carolina

Thirteen people have been arrested in connection to a statewide human trafficking ring.

Seven people: Ronald N. Ford, Oliver A. Paiz-Arias, John J. Jones, Mario Maddox, Darren M. White Bruce. L. Brisbane and Felix Uz Puac were all arrested by the Summerville Police Department as suspects who took part in a statewide human trafficking ring in South Carolina.

Altogether, police and the State Human Trafficking Task Force brought down and arrested 13 people. The operation took place over several days in different parts of the state; authorities reportedly searched motels and hotels specifically during the investigation. All the crimes the suspects are accused of include them being involved in a commercial sex ring.

Some of the charges against the suspects include unlawful carry of a handgun, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession with intent to distribute a schedule II narcotic, distribution of cocaine and distribution of marijuana, CBS 17 reports. In addition, police confiscated three firearms from the suspects.

“As the Chair of the State Human Trafficking Task Force, I cannot highlight enough the importance of law enforcement partnering to address the complexities of this crime,” Attorney General Alan Wilson said, reports CBS 17. “By stopping the demand for commercial sex, we want to discourage traffickers who hope to profit by supplying victims.”

Those who may need help or would like to report human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.