Gwinnettians Face Pandering Charges in Anti-Human Trafficking Operation
What Happened?
Four Gwinnett County men were arrested on pandering charges as part of an undercover operation to combat human trafficking.
Who Was Involved?
- 36-year-old Jason Lamar Dickerson
- 34-year-old Marvin Arnold Elkins
- 26-year-old Demarcus Marquise Holmes
- 51-year-old Jimmy Dewayne Rhodes
What Are the Charges?
The men were charged with pandering, which is defined as "offering or agreeing to procure a person for the purpose of prostitution." This is a felony offense in Georgia.
Details of the Operation
The Gwinnett County Police Department conducted the undercover operation in response to concerns about human trafficking in the area. The operation involved two undercover female officers who posed as prostitutes.
The officers contacted the four men through an online classified ad. The men agreed to pay the officers for sex. When they arrived at the agreed-upon location, they were arrested.
Human Trafficking in Georgia
Human trafficking is a serious problem in Georgia. According to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, there were 404 human trafficking cases reported in the state in 2021. This is a 33% increase from 2020, and one of the highest rates in the nation.
Most victims of human trafficking in Georgia are women and children. They are often forced into prostitution, labor, or other forms of exploitation.
Conclusion
The arrests of these four men are a reminder of the ongoing problem of human trafficking in Georgia. It is important to be aware of the signs of human trafficking and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
