Feb 28, 2018 – News Release: Jessup man charged with human trafficking
Howard County police have charged a man with human trafficking after an investigation revealed he was forcing a female victim into prostitution.
Jabari Theodore, 26, of Guilford Road in Jessup, has been charged with human trafficking, prostitution and concealing a deadly weapon. He posted a $2,500 bond and was released from the Howard County Detention Center.
Detectives learned that an 18-year-old woman pictured in an ad on the website Backpage, which is known by police to be used for prostitution and trafficking, was at a hotel on Washington Blvd. in Laurel. Through investigation, detectives believe that Theodore coordinated appointments for the woman and forced her to perform sex acts for money, which he would then take from her.
Police went to the hotel Feb. 27, arrested Theodore and put the woman into contact with services for human trafficking victims.
Howard County has an ongoing effort to combat prostitution, human trafficking and related offenses. Investigators are focused on arresting traffickers and offering assistance to victims through housing, treatment, transportation and other services.
Howard County detectives regularly monitor the website Backpage, and place their own ads from the police department warning men not to engage in prostitution or human trafficking in Howard County.