Man Targeted Homeless Women, Addicts for Prostitution Business: Court

GLEN BURNIE, MD — A Glen Burnie man who targeted young women who were homeless or addicted to drugs for sex workers in his prostitution business was sentenced to eight years in prison, according to the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's office.

Jessie Gene Vaughn, 35, of Glen Burnie, was charged in May 2015 with multiple offenses related to human trafficking and prostitution, as well as distribution and possession of oxycodone. Vaughn pleaded guilty to the operating a prostitution business on July 6, 2016, and was sentenced Thursday.

Judge Michele D. Jaklitsch sentenced Vaughn to 10 years, with eight years of active incarceration. He will then be placed on supervised probation for three years. If he violates his probation, Vaughn could be required to then serve the remaining two years of the 10-year sentence.

"We will not tolerate those who engage in the business of prostitution," said Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Wes Adams in a statement. "I am grateful Judge Jaklitsch called his actions 'reprehensible' and held this man accountable for his actions. I also appreciate the hard work of the Anne Arundel County Police Department in putting together a thorough case that forced the defendant to admit his guilt."

Prosecutors say Vaughn advertised his prostitution services online. Last year, detectives received a tip that two women were trafficked by Vaughn, who advertised the women on websites and provided security while they were engaging in prostitution in Anne Arundel County.

Vice detectives worked closely with local non-profit groups to assist the trafficking victims with counseling, education and other forms of support.

»Suspect Jessie Gene Vaughn of Glen Burnie, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police