Human Trafficking Arrest Follows Medical Emergency: Police

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A call about a medical emergency in Howard County this week led authorities to open an investigation into human trafficking.

William O. Murray, 29, of the 8000 block of Arrowhead Road in Pikesville, was charged after an early morning traffic stop, authorities said. He faces three charges of human trafficking and four prostitution offenses, court records show.

Police said an officer stopped Murray around 1:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, when he appeared to be having a medical emergency.

Officials realized the condition may be drug-related, and Murray was taken to the hospital, authorities reported.

Police said they suspected the 34-year-old woman who was a passenger in the vehicle may have been a victim of human trafficking.

Following an investigation, authorities said Murray trafficked up to nine women in the area, using Backpage.com to advertise sex services, for which he collected payments.

He allegedly transported the women all over Maryland to meet men at hotels and supplied or withheld heroin so they would be dependent on him.

According to police, Murray controlled when the women would eat and sleep, sometimes forcing them to stay awake for the purpose of prostitution.

He was found with $500 in cash and multiple cell phones in his possession, police reported.

When he was released from the hospital at 4 a.m. on Thursday, March 23, Murray was arrested, police said. He was charged with human trafficking and prostitution and released from the Howard County Detention Center on $15,000 bond.

Police worked with local service organizations to provide emergency assistance includng drug treatment and shelter for the woman in the car with Murray at the time, officials said.

Detectives are continuing to investigate Murray and his connections to additional victims. Anyone with information may call 410-313-STOP or email HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.

Photo courtesy of Howard County Police Department.