Ex-Murder Convict Slapped with Sex Trade Raps in Phoenix Sting

Roderick Roberts, a 38-year-old man who served time for second-degree murder, is back behind bars facing charges of aggravated assault, sex trafficking, and weapons misconduct. As reported by ABC15, Roberts was arrested at his Phoenix home near 24th Street and Indian School Road after a coordinated undercover sting revealed his involvement in a local sex trafficking operation.

Released early on probation in March 2023, after being sentenced to 18 years in 2009 for a murder in King County, Washington, Roberts quickly found himself entangled in the law's embrace once again. Charged with sex trafficking in Arizona, La Cheese Week stated the Glendale police took action in April, capturing Roberts, who was released 14 years into his 18-year murder bid.

During the investigation, Glendale police came into contact with two women caught in the maelstrom of Roberts' sex trafficking activities. According to court documents obtained by ABC15, these victims expressed their terror, with reports stating, "He has held the gun at her head and threatened her" and emphasizing fears that Roberts would make good on his threats to kill. They confided to investigators that they were too terrified to cut ties with Roberts.

Upon raiding his residence, an assault-style rifle was uncovered by authorities. Declining to provide detectives with a statement in the absence of legal counsel, Roberts was soon charged with the aforementioned crimes. Documents showed that during his imprisonment in Washington, Roberts accrued 32 infractions, resulting in upwards of 50 days in cell confinement for various offenses, including a failed drug test and engaging in physical altercations with fellow inmates.