Human Trafficking Arrest Made At Anne Arundel Motel

LINTHICUM, MD — A New York man is accused of forcing three women to work as prostitutes at a Linthicum hotel, and assaulting one woman who tried to leave. Police contacted two of the women last Thursday who had reportedly advertised on a website for the purpose of prostitution. Detectives were told to come to a hotel in Linthicum, where three women linked to prostitution activity were found.

Before police met the women at the motel, a man later identified as Ondray Lamar Pleasant, 35, of Cheektowaga, New York, was seen leaving the same room and walking to a nearby business, where he was later taken into custody.

Investigators say Pleasant had two adjoining rooms registered in his name and was profiting from all three women engaging in prostitution. One of the women told police that Pleasant assaulted her when she refused to continue as a prostitute.

Pleasant was charged with several human trafficking and prostitution charges, as well as second-degree assault.

Detectives are working with a local nonprofit group to help the trafficking victims with counseling, education and other forms of support.

Photo of Ondray Pleasant, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police