A two-day human trafficking sweep in Frederick County ended Friday with the arrest of an Ohio man and the discovery of multiple people investigators believe were being trafficked, according to authorities. Deputies stopped a vehicle and took 52-year-old William Dorsey of Toledo into custody during a traffic stop, charging him with sex trafficking. Dorsey was taken to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center while detectives continued working to identify victims and connect them with services.
In a press release, the Frederick County Sheriff's Office said the operation was run by investigators in its Criminal Investigations Section over two days and involved local, state, federal and community partners. Detectives conducting the traffic stop that led to Dorsey's arrest said they "encountered numerous individuals" who were believed to be victims of human trafficking.
The arrest was first detailed by DC News Now, which shared the sheriff’s office statement, including the suspect's name and age, and noted that the operation was coordinated with federal partners. The outlet also highlighted the sheriff's request for the public's help and repeated the call for anyone with information to contact investigators at 301-600-1046 or submit a tip at 301-600-4131.
What investigators say
Sheriff Chuck Jenkins said in the release from the Frederick County Sheriff's Office that human trafficking remains a priority for his agency, even if most residents never see it happening. He said investigators used a victim-centered approach throughout the enforcement effort and worked on the spot to get people they encountered connected with advocacy and support services.
Partners and victim services
Officials said the operation pulled in a long list of partners, including the Frederick Police Department, the Frederick County State's Attorney’s Office, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Secret Service and nonprofit organizations such as Heartly House, the Safe House Project and Operation Light Shine, according to DC News Now. Representatives from those advocacy groups were on site during the sweep, providing crisis intervention, safety planning and referrals for anyone identified as a possible victim.
How to help
Authorities are asking anyone with information about the investigation to call the Frederick County Sheriff's Office at 301-600-1046 or submit a tip through the FCSO tip line at 301-600-4131. Officials said more details on the operation will be released when appropriate.
Legal status
Dorsey has been charged with sex trafficking and is being held at the county adult detention center while the case moves forward. Prosecutors and investigators have not released additional information about the evidence in the case or any planned court filings.
