LANCASTER, PA — The Lancaster County District Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Task Force (HTTF) marked two years of operation on National Human Trafficking Day, January 11. The multi-agency collaboration, which includes local, county, state, and federal government bodies as well as private and non-profit organizations, is committed to investigating and prosecuting human trafficking crimes, providing support services for victims, and raising community awareness.
In 2023 alone, the HTTF made 49 arrests through six operations conducted throughout Lancaster County. These focused on individuals soliciting prostitution and those soliciting minors for sexual activities. The tally included 36 arrests for patronizing prostitutes, eight child predator arrests, and five prostitute arrests. In an additional six cases, services were offered in lieu of prosecution.
The operations typically involved creating an online advertisement, with suspects placing calls to the listed number and agreeing to pay for sexual contact with a prostitute or minor. They would then arrange to meet at a pre-determined location, where they were apprehended.
Those arrested ranged in age from 25 to 62 and traveled from various counties in Pennsylvania and Maryland. While a prostitution-related offense is a misdemeanor, recent amendments to Pennsylvania legislation have clarified that those buying sex from a human trafficking victim may be prosecuted as sex trafficking offenders, a felony. This change eliminates the need for a victim to identify a third-party trafficker to be considered a victim of human trafficking.
Eight individuals were charged in child predator stings, including Zakianny Maldonado, 32, and Glenn Sager, 56, both of whom pleaded guilty and received prison sentences. The other accused include Brette Giles, 35, Duane Shope, 68, Benjamin Gill, 24, Warren Binkley, 35, Mervin King, 36, and Amir Hossain, 34.
Assistant District Attorney Fritz Haverstick is overseeing the prosecution of these cases. As the HTTF enters its third year of operation, its track record serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against human trafficking and the critical role of multi-agency collaboration in this effort.
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