News Releases

Two Suspects Arrested for Human Trafficking and Sexual Abuse of Minor

For Immediate Release: Thursday, March 3, 2016

In late December of 2015, the Montgomery County Police Department became aware of a possible case of human trafficking occurring in Montgomery County.

Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department - Special Investigations Division interviewed a 16-year-old female, who stated that she met Saivon Sharpe, age 22, of Oxon Hill, Maryland, in December.  The victim stated that Sharpe had approached her and asked her if she wanted to work for him.  Sharpe told the victim that she would receive money for having sexual intercourse with men.  The victim stated that Raleigh McClam, age 36, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, received phone calls from men who wanted to have sex with the victim, gave her instructions on how to accept money, and provided her with a phone.  The victim stated that McClam had intercourse with her prior to having her engage in prostitution with other males..  The victim also stated that when the three were at hotels, Sharpe was in possession of a handgun and displayed it on several occasions.

Investigators located ads in an escort section of a classified advertising website that were determined to have been placed on the website by McClam.  Detectives also determined that two rooms at a hotel in Montgomery County were rented by Sharpe and McClam on an evening that the victim stated she was at the hotel to engage in prostitution.

Criminal warrants were issued for the arrest of McClam and Sharpe on February 12 and both suspects were arrested on February 26.  Both suspects were charged with human trafficking and sexual abuse of a minor.  In addition to those charges, Sharpe was also charged with the use of a firearm in the use of a felony or crime of violence.

Sharpe was held without bond and remains in the custody of the Montgomery County correctional system.  McClam was released on a $100,000 bond.

RLI

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Release ID: 16-042
Media Contact: mcpnews 
Categories: uncategorized