Wednesday, June 19th 2024, 6:35 pm
A four-month-long investigation led to the arrest of an accused human trafficking suspect.
Agents from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Human Trafficking Unit were tipped off that 46-year-old Marlon Martin was trafficking a metro 16-year-old girl. Martin is in custody at the Oklahoma County Detention Center with a $200,000 bond. Besides the human trafficking of a minor charge, Martin was booked for soliciting prostitution and child pornography.
The OBN, Oklahoma City police, and Homeland Security busted Martin at his home in southwest Oklahoma City this week. The arrest was the culmination of an investigation that started back in February.
“We did receive some information that there was a minor in the Oklahoma City area being trafficked by an individual,” said Mark Woodward, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.
Woodward said investigators in the human trafficking unit first found evidence for the case online.
“Everything from posting online commercial sex website ads to setting up dates with the minor,” said Woodward. “There was also evidence of videos he made of the minor involved in sexual activity that he distributed.”
A search of cell phones revealed text messages between the 16-year-old victim and Martin.
“Continued to build our case that she was definitely being trafficked and he was the one facilitating this,” said Woodward. “Telling her when to be, where to be at certain places.”
Martin allegedly arranged for the teenager to meet customers at various Motel 6s in the metro.
Woodward said the sex trafficking came to an end once Martin was arrested. “The victim was recovered from this and is being offered assistance,” said Woodward. “So, we’re hopeful for a good outcome there.”
Woodward said he was not aware of any other victims who were trafficked by Martin.
Anyone suspecting human trafficking can call OBN to report tips at (855) 617-2288 or send a direct message to the agency through Facebook.
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