Suspected Sex Offender Arrested With Victim In His Home: Police

LAUREL, MD — Police have arrested a Laurel man after receiving reports of his involvement in sex trafficking, as well as for an outstanding warrant for armed robbery.

On April 1, the combined Emergency Response Team members of the Laurel and Greenbelt police department, along with Laurel detectives, executed a search warrant on Robert Eakins’ home. They found a female who police say Eakins had forced into sex trafficking and got her to safety.

Meanwhile, police apprehended Eakins as he tried to escape through a crawlspace under his porch. Drone support helped officers maintain visual awareness of the property as SWAT team members approached and helped officers detain other individuals seen trying to leave the area, according to the police department.

Eakins was taken into custody without incident and faces several sex-trafficking charges on top of the outstanding warrant. The victim was reunited with her family and connected with resources for victims of human trafficking.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1‑888‑373‑7888 or visit humantraffickinghotline.org.