NEWS

Another arrest made in human trafficking case

Adam Lawson
alawason@gastongazette.com
Shropshire

Gastonia police arrested a second man Thursday in what is being described as perhaps the agency's first case of human trafficking.

Randall Lane Shropshire Jr., a 24-year-old man from Gastonia, is accused of harboring a woman and forcing her into involuntary sexual servitude. His arrest is connected to the arrest of Jotavious Marquis Bell in August. Bell was charged with human trafficking, first-degree kidnapping and other allegations.

Detective Adam Wilson says he's under the impression these are the first two arrests his agency has ever made for the crime, but that it's not a new issue for the community.

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime estimated there were 1.5 million victims of human trafficking in the United States as recently as 2012.

"I will say that it's not a new problem," Wilson said. "It's been hidden away a lot under the guise of prostitution in general."

This case involves one victim, Wilson said, and at this time more suspects aren't anticipated.

"We got the victim in some rehabilitative services," Wilson said. "She seems to be doing well."

The trafficking reportedly occurred from Aug. 10-20. That time frame starts just one day after Bell was convicted of possessing a firearm as a felon, false imprisonment and assault by pointing a gun and given 18 months probation.

Shropshire has been arrested three times since September on charges including common law robbery, assaulting a female and communicating threats.

Both are now inmates at the Gaston County jail. Shropshire is being held on $305,000 bond, while Bell's sits at over $1.5 million.

Potential red flags for human trafficking include someone living with their employer, poor living conditions, multiple people living in a cramped space, signs of physical abuse and a minor being involved with prostitution, according to the U.S. State Department.

Those who suspect someone may be a victim of human trafficking can call the national hotline at 888-373-7888.

You can reach Adam Lawson at 704-869-1842 or on Twitter @GazetteLawson.