6 Arrested in Gulfport Human Trafficking and Kidnapping Case

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Gulfport police have arrested six individuals in an ongoing investigation into human trafficking and kidnapping involving a juvenile victim. The case began in January when Child Protective Services reported a runaway juvenile, who was later found being held against her will in a hotel room. The investigation uncovered an alleged human trafficking operation where the juvenile was forced to perform sexual acts for profit at multiple hotels along the Gulf Coast and in New Orleans.

Why it matters

Human trafficking and the exploitation of minors are serious crimes that have devastating impacts on victims. This case highlights the need for continued vigilance and coordination between law enforcement, social services, and the community to identify and stop these criminal networks.

The details

According to police, the investigation led to the arrests of Michael Eric Moses, Bobby Terrell Mills, Marcus Alan Mann, Richard Sherrol Weir, Jeffrey Devon Pruitt, and Latasha Ann Smith. The suspects face charges including kidnapping, human trafficking, extortion, and forcible rape. Authorities say the juvenile victim was allegedly transported to multiple hotels and forced into sexual exploitation for profit.

• On January 22, officers located the runaway juvenile safely.
• Between January 22 and February 4, six suspects were arrested in the case.
• On February 4, detectives identified two additional suspects, Jeffrey Devon Pruitt and Latasha Ann Smith.

What’s next

The judge will determine if the suspects will be allowed out on bail as the investigation continues.