Roanoke Bridal Shop Linked to Human Trafficking, Drug Dealing Probe

Prosecutors allege the store was used as a 'front' for criminal operations.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 6:23pm

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Authorities in Virginia say a Roanoke bridal shop called Amanda's Touch is under investigation for possible ties to prostitution and human trafficking. Five people, including the building's owner Earl Wayne Smith and store manager Jose Jorge Sanchez, have been charged with racketeering. Prosecutors claim the bridal shop's back room was used as a 'hub' for drug dealing and human trafficking operations, with Sanchez boasting of working with over 60 victims.

Why it matters

The case highlights the growing problem of human trafficking and how criminals can exploit legitimate businesses as fronts for their illicit activities. It also raises concerns about the safety and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals who may have been victimized through these operations.

The details

According to prosecutors, the defendants used the bridal shop's back room to conduct their drug dealing and human trafficking activities. They would use the money from drug sales to fund the trafficking operation, which involved coercing victims through the use of drugs, money, and other forms of control. Authorities were able to confirm over 50 victims associated with the alleged crimes.

  • The investigation into the bridal shop's alleged criminal activities is ongoing.
  • The defendants, including Earl Wayne Smith and Jose Jorge Sanchez, have been charged with racketeering.

The players

Amanda's Touch

A bridal shop in Roanoke, Virginia that prosecutors allege was used as a front for human trafficking and drug dealing operations.

Jose Jorge Sanchez

One of the five people charged with racketeering in connection with the alleged criminal activities at the bridal shop. Prosecutors claim Sanchez boasted of working with over 60 victims.

Earl Wayne Smith

The owner of the building that houses the bridal shop and one of the defendants charged in the case. Prosecutors believe he is the leader of the trafficking operation at the bridal shop and other locations.

Amanda Cash

The daughter of Earl Wayne Smith and the manager of the bridal shop. She claims she had no knowledge of or involvement in her father's alleged criminal activities.

Eric Branscom

The Floyd County Commonwealth's Attorney prosecuting the case.

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What they’re saying

“Mr. Sanchez, in statements that he made, boasted of having over 60 women that he was working with. We were able to confirm a little over 50.”

— Eric Branscom, Floyd County Commonwealth's Attorney

“There is evidence to show drugs, money and coercion were being used to control these victims, to coerce them into prostitution and human trafficking.”

— Eric Branscom, Floyd County Commonwealth's Attorney

“I am heartbroken and deeply disturbed by the allegations that have been reported this week. The activity described in court has absolutely no connection to me, my employees, or the daily operations of the bridal shop.”

— Amanda Cash, Bridal Shop Manager

“My father helped finance the business when it opened 28 years ago, but he has not been involved in running the stores. I have operated the business independently for years, and we have been estranged for some time. Neither I nor any of my employees had any knowledge of, or involvement in, any of his activities.”

— Amanda Cash, Bridal Shop Manager

What’s next

Prosecutors will continue their investigation into the alleged criminal activities at the bridal shop, and the defendants will face trial on the racketeering charges.

The takeaway

This case highlights the disturbing reality that legitimate businesses can sometimes be exploited by criminals as fronts for human trafficking and other illicit activities. It underscores the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement, businesses, and the community to combat these types of crimes and protect vulnerable individuals.