A federal grand jury in Roanoke, Virginia, has indicted Frank Smith, a 27-year-old man from Daytona Beach, Florida, on charges related to sex trafficking. Smith faces accusations of transporting an individual across state lines for prostitution and using an iPhone to promote prostitution.
Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee emphasized the seriousness of human trafficking crimes: “Human trafficking is a crime that often occurs in plain sight. All across the Commonwealth, in big cities and small towns, individuals are forced into this form of modern-day slavery. The Justice Department is committed to ending it and holding those responsible accountable.”
The Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Matthew D. Hanley stated the agency's dedication to combating human trafficking: “The Virginia State Police is committed to bringing traffickers to justice, and stopping human trafficking is a primary focus of our agency."
Court documents reveal that Smith allegedly traveled with Victim 1 through several states including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia for prostitution purposes. In September 2024, he reportedly transported Victim 1 into Roanoke with the intent for her to engage in prostitution.
On October 8, 2024, agents from the Virginia State Police Human Trafficking Unit contacted Victim 1 at a hotel in Radford after discovering an online advertisement for her services. During their investigation at the hotel, they identified Frank Smith as her trafficker.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations alongside the Virginia State Police Human Trafficking Unit. Local law enforcement agencies such as the Radford Police Department also provided support.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Brett will be prosecuting the case. It is important to note that an indictment serves only as an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
