Homeland Security Investigations special agents recently arrested a number of individuals suspected of running a sex trafficking enterprise in Maryland.
Marlon "Cali" Pitts of Capital Heights, Md., was arrested Aug. 11, and Maurice "Moeazy" Monroe of Washington, D.C., and Alexander "Cas" Stevens III of Accokeek, Md., were arrested Sept. 7, according to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Sept. 29 news release. Pitts and Monroe are suspected members of the Crips street gang, and Stevens is a paraeducator in Prince George's County.
"These apprehensions are a victory for the law-abiding citizens of Maryland and the Washington, D.C., metro area," HSI-Baltimore Special Agent in Charge James C. Harris III said in the release. "In today's society, we have the ability to be ever-connected through social media. Our children and most vulnerable members of society are constantly at risk from predators. These arrests are the result of the amazing teamwork of HSI Baltimore and our federal, state, and local law-enforcement partners. Without their assistance, arrests like these would not be possible."
The three arrested were charged with using interstate facilities to aid a racketeering enterprise as part of their parts in the Triple X Party Kings, a suspected Maryland-based sex-trafficking ring. Pitts also was charged with sex trafficking a minor and transporting the child to engage in prostitution, according to the release.
"For years, Pitts, Monroe and Stevens have allegedly been responsible for various crimes related to the sex trafficking of numerous females," the news release said. "HSI Baltimore worked with several federal, state and local law enforcement partners in the investigation and apprehension of the trio."
The three men allegedly promoted, solicited, enticed, coerced and persuaded girls and women to work as commercial sex workers, recruiting many of their victims through social media and previously recruited female victims. The three promoted the commercial sex activities primarily in and around Charles and Prince George's counties in Maryland and in Washington D.C., allegedly advertising "commercial sex parties at houses, motels and a 'studio'," the news release said.
"Allegedly, members of the enterprise, acting as pimps, encouraged adult and minor females working for them to have sex with clients for money inside of 'VIP' rooms, and then required the females to provide a portion of the money earned to a member of the enterprise," the news release said.
