Human Trafficking Charges Stem From Columbia Assault: Police

COLUMBIA, MD — A Maryland man has been charged with human trafficking after police handled what appeared on the surface to be a domestic assault, officials said. Patrol officers responding to a call about a woman with facial injuries noticed signs of human trafficking and alerted detectives, according to a statement from the Howard County Police Department.

Demontre Haynes, 34, of the 5000 block of Stewart Court in Fort Meade, is charged with four counts of human trafficking, second-degree assault and violating a protective order, court records show.

Police said the charges came after Haynes assaulted a 27-year-old woman who was trying to get away from him.

A 911 caller witnessed the assault as it was happening, according to the Howard County Police Department's Director of Public Affairs Sherry Llewellyn.

Officers arrested Haynes on Thursday, May 9, in the 8800 block of Tamar Drive, where they believe the woman had gone to a friend's residence for help; and when she would not leave with Haynes, authorities allege he assaulted her and tried to make her leave.

Based on the preliminary investigation, police said that Haynes and the 27-year-old victim had traveled across the country — from Maryland to California and back — staying in hotel rooms as he posted online ads with her photo and arranged appointments for her to engage in prostitution. Then he collected the money, according to investigators.

Haynes is being held without bail at the Howard County Detention Center, and police said the victim was referred to Hopeworks, a sexual assault and domestic violence center.

"Howard County has an ongoing effort to combat prostitution, human trafficking and related
offenses," the Howard County Police Department said in a statement on Friday, May 10. "Investigators are focused on arresting traffickers and offering assistance to victims through housing, treatment, transportation and other services."

Anyone who is a victim or knows someone who is can call 911 or 410-313-3200 to speak with a detective. People may also submit tips by calling the tip line at 410-290-3784 or emailing hcpdcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.