Maryland Police Use Drone to Arrest Sex Trafficking Suspect

Robert Eakins, 31, was wanted for sex trafficking and armed robbery charges.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:03am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the apprehension of a suspect.The use of drone technology helps law enforcement apprehend suspects and combat sex trafficking crimes.Laurel Today

Police in Laurel, Maryland used a drone to help locate and arrest a 31-year-old man, Robert Eakins, who was wanted on sex trafficking and prostitution charges. Eakins had attempted to evade officers by hiding under a porch, but the drone's infrared camera spotted him and officers were able to take him into custody without incident.

Why it matters

The use of drones by law enforcement to assist in investigations and arrests is a relatively new tactic, and this case highlights how the technology can help officers locate and apprehend suspects, especially in situations where they may be trying to hide. It also sheds light on the ongoing issue of sex trafficking and the efforts by authorities to combat it.

The details

Police said the sex trafficking investigation began a few weeks earlier when an anonymous tipster reported that a woman at Eakins' home was being pressured into sex work. When officers executed a search warrant on April 1, Eakins tried to hide in a crawl space under the porch, but the drone's infrared camera spotted him and officers were able to take him into custody. The drone also helped locate the alleged victim, who police said they were able to safely remove from the situation and reunite with her family.

  • The sex trafficking investigation began 2-3 weeks prior to the April 1 arrest.
  • Eakins was arrested on April 1.

The players

Robert Eakins

A 31-year-old Maryland man who was wanted on sex trafficking and prostitution charges, as well as an armed robbery charge in Charles County.

Laurel Police Department

The law enforcement agency that used a drone to locate and arrest Eakins.

Greenbelt Police Department

Assisted the Laurel Police Department in executing the search warrant and locating the alleged victim.

Capt. Stephen Ivory

A Laurel police officer who spoke about the department's use of drones in investigations.

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What they’re saying

“Drones are 'relatively new technology for us,' Ivory said.”

— Capt. Stephen Ivory, Laurel Police Officer

“He said that as more operators are trained and receive FAA certification to pilot the drones, police in Laurel are beginning to use them more frequently. But right now, they are used only for preplanned operations, providing an additional vantage point for the officers on the ground.”

— Capt. Stephen Ivory, Laurel Police Officer

What’s next

Eakins will face charges in both the sex trafficking case and the armed robbery case in Charles County.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates how law enforcement is increasingly utilizing drone technology to assist in investigations and apprehending suspects, particularly in situations where suspects may be trying to evade capture. It also highlights the ongoing efforts to combat sex trafficking and the importance of community tips in these types of cases.