2 Charged With Human Trafficking, Sexual Abuse of Girl

ROCKVILLE, MD — A teenager was sexually abused and forced to work as a prostitute by two Prince George's County men, say authorities, who said the girl met with men at a Montgomery County hotel.

In late December, Montgomery County Police were tipped to a possible case of human trafficking. Detectives talked to a 16-year-old girl, who said she met Saivon Sharpe, 22, of Oxon Hill, in December. The victim said Sharpe had asked her if she wanted to work for him by receiving money for having sex with men.

Raleigh McClam, 36, of Upper Marlboro received phone calls from men who wanted to have sex with the victim, gave her instructions on how to accept money, and provided her with a phone. The victim said McClam had intercourse with her before she engaged in prostitution with other men.

When the three were at hotels, Sharpe carried a handgun, which he showed to the victim on several occasions, police said.

Ads in an escort section of a classified advertising website were placed by McClam, police said. Detectives also determined that two rooms at a hotel in Montgomery County were rented by Sharpe and McClam to be used for prostitution.

McClam and Sharpe were arrested Feb. 26 on charges of human trafficking and sexual abuse of a minor. Sharpe was also charged with the use of a firearm in the use of a felony or crime of violence.

Sharpe was held without bond and remains in the custody of the Montgomery County correctional system. McClam was released on a $100,000 bond.

»Photos of Saivon Sharpe, left, and Raleigh McClam, courtesy of Montgomery County Police