Tip Leads to Human Trafficking Arrest: Police

LINTHICUM, MD — An online ad for a prostitute led to human trafficking charges against a New York man and help for the woman involved in sex work, authorities say.

A tip about a possible human trafficking victim in the Linthicum area was received Thursday by Anne Arundel County Police. Thanks to the tip, detectives located an online ad in which the woman was featured for the purpose of prostitution.

The woman was later found in a hotel room and linked to prostitution activity.

Investigators charge that James Harold Bell, 47, of 3784 10th Ave. in New York, NY, rented a hotel room in Linthicum and transported the woman for the purpose of a commercial sex act.

Bell was charged with human trafficking – take cause (transportation), prostitution and assignation.

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

»Photo of James Bell, courtesy of Anne Arundel County Police