Atlanta authorities have cracked the case of a sordid sex trafficking ring that has been exploiting a group of teenage girls, making four arrests while a fifth suspect remains on the loose. This predatory network spanned across Fulton and DeKalb counties, entangling its victims in a web of illicit activities at various locations including gas stations and truck stops.
The Atlanta Police Department detailed the case's progress last Friday, citing a pivotal 911 call that placed a 15-year-old girl at the center of the investigation after she was reportedly missing and turned up at a local children's hospital. According to FOX 5 Atlanta, the courageous teen provided vital information such as addresses and vehicle tag numbers thanks to her familiarity with crime shows. Investigators say, this knowledge proved crucial in piecing together the trafficking puzzle.
In a statement obtained by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Detective Tracy Lewis commended the teen for her astuteness. "She was absolutely wonderful," Lewis said. "She was very, very knowledgeable about what was going on. She made sure that she remembered things."
The arrests include Albert Wells, Talmes Eugene Smith III, Taalib Blount, and Levi Jackson Sears, while suspect Harold Poole is still being pursued by law enforcement. Wells faces multiple charges including trafficking a person for sexual servitude, and rape. Smith, amidst his slate of charges is accused of child molestation and sex trafficking. Similarly, Blount is charged with rows of heinous crimes, including aggravated child molestation and rape. Sears has been charged with rape and child molestation. As the investigation spans two counties, the collaboration amongst the Atlanta and DeKalb police departments, and, the Fulton and DeKalb district attorney’s offices has been a linchpin in response efforts.
An APD official shed light on the traffickers’ chilling tactics. "You lure them in with freedom they can come and party with them hang out. A lot of times you have subjects that are trying to become their boyfriend they start out being nice and buying them things showing them love and affection and then all of the sudden they have to start proving their love," Detective Tracy Lewis told FOX 5 Atlanta.
The public has been urged to come forward with any information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining fugitive, Harold Poole. Authorities encourage tips via Crime Stoppers at 404-577-8477, reminding informants that anonymity is preserved and that they could be eligible for rewards up to $2,000. The collective aim remains not only to bring the perpetrators to justice but also to heal the wounds inflicted on the young victims swept into this grim underworld.
