Man charged with human trafficking linked to criminal organization, officials say
Charles Morrison accused of slashing woman's face over unpaid debt
Charles Morrison accused of slashing woman's face over unpaid debt
Charles Morrison accused of slashing woman's face over unpaid debt
A Manchester man accused of being linked to a criminal operation called "the Squad" is facing human trafficking charges, prosecutors said Tuesday.
Charles Morrison, 54, is accused of taking part in an ongoing pattern of intimidation and human trafficking, including cutting a woman's face with a razor. He interrupted a bail hearing Tuesday and demanded that his previous record not be read aloud.
"Excuse me. Excuse me one moment, with all due respect," Morrison said. "All the state going to do is run down my priors. Let's go with the bail, whatever it may be, because this is ridiculous."
Morrison is accused of slashing a woman's face earlier this year near Amherst and Hanover streets over an unpaid drug debt. The criminal complaint said that the leader of the Squad ordered the assault because of her debt.
"We are extremely concerned," police prosecutor Carissa Pelletier said. "These are very serious allegations. We are concerned for the safety of this victim."
Prosecutors outlined Morrison's lengthy criminal record in New Hampshire that dates back to 2006. It includes robbery convictions in Virginia that led to prison and probation.
Officials didn't give details about his alleged connection to organized criminal activity, citing ongoing investigative efforts into the Squad.
Cases involving the Squad have come up in court recently. Last week, John Gebo, who prosecutors said is a member of the Squad, pleaded guilty to shooting and killing John Odige in what authorities said started as a Squad mission to teach Odige a lesson.
Morrison walked out of the courtroom before the hearing was finished. He is being held on $50,000 cash bail and is scheduled to be back in court Oct. 3.