Baltimore County police have arrested in a sex trafficking case involving juveniles, with 38-year-old Ricardo Sawyer facing multiple charges. According to WBALTV, Sawyer has been charged with multiple counts of rape, second-degree assault, and other offenses. The police began their investigation over the summer after becoming aware of several juvenile victims in both Baltimore City and Baltimore County. Sawyer, known on Instagram as "Bmorerico," is believed to have provided various forms of payment, including U.S. currency and gifts, in exchange for sexual acts.
Charging documents reveal that Sawyer used to not only meet victims in person but also employ online methods, such as direct messaging through his Instagram account, which aided in building contact with potential victims. A woman interviewed during the investigation recalled that Sawyer, who approached her in Baltimore City, continued to entice her despite being aware of her age. She disclosed that her involvement with Sawyer began when she was 14 years old and extended to situations where she was introduced to other men for sex in exchange for compensation, including money, gifts, and other items.
The investigation is also said to involve collaboration with the FBI Baltimore Field Office's Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. With several victims already identified, investigators believe there may be additional victims yet to step forward.
In a statement shared by WMAR2News, charging documents further detailed that Sawyer allegedly coerced the victim to leave her home to meet him, then performed sexual acts in various locations. Currently, he is being held at the Baltimore County Detention Center. As the investigation proceeds, Baltimore County Police strongly encourage anyone with information to swiftly contact the department's Crimes Against Children Unit by calling 410-887-7720 to assist not only in the ongoing case but also to help identify and protect other potential victims.
