An arrest has been made that reaches across state lines, engaging both California and Colorado law enforcement in a case of alleged sex trafficking. Murlin Swanston, a 48-year-old Los Angeles man, has been taken into custody by California state fugitive agents with help from Denver investigators, under suspicion of sex trafficking operations involving women from Denver. According to CBS News Los Angeles, these arrests come after a series of online interactions, which authorities suspect were designed to enlist women into Swanston's illegal enterprise.

Swanston allegedly began contacting potential victims back in 2021, reaching out to thousands of women through commercial online sex sites. Many of these individuals were commercial sex workers, the roots of exploitation already gnawing at their options. A statement obtained by CBS News Los Angeles reflects the gravity of the situation— mirroring these thousands of contacts across the country is the potential tally of victims, unknown in full measure. Denver District Attorney Beth McCann has put out a call through Investigator Joe DeAngelo of the DA’s Human Trafficking Unit for any potential victims to come forward.

While the specifics of the charges remain confined to the unfolding legal process, the Denver DA's office has highlighted their commitment to prosecuting crimes effectively, seeking justice equally for all in the criminal justice system, as their mission statement indicates.

Currently in custody in California, Swanston awaits the formal charges that will pull him into the Colorado legal system. According to the Denver District Attorney's office, formal charges will be filed in Denver as Swanston is extradited to Colorado, confirmation of the inter-agency cooperation underscoring the arrest. An extradition date has not been scheduled, leaving a pause lingering before the next chapter of this legal drama unfolds.