Members of the Berks County Human Trafficking Task Force rescued a victim of human trafficking on Wednesday. Charges were filed against Terris Williams for trafficking the eighteen-year-old victim.
On April 12, 2023, members of HSI-Allentown contacted local law enforcement regarding a possible victim of human trafficking who was currently staying at a hotel in Wyomissing. Members of the Human Trafficking Task Force located an advertisement for the female on a website commonly known for the sex trade.
Investigators say an undercover officer communicated directly with the phone number provided in the advertisement, and a conversation regarding sexual acts and pricing was held and a meeting was set up.
The victim met with an undercover detective in a vehicle and police say the defendant was observed walking toward the vehicle. The defendant then contacted the victim and stated to “get out of the car.”
Investigators say Task Force members made contact with the defendant inside his hotel room. Inside the hotel room, Task Force members found a large number of condoms, female lingerie, two cell phones, and over $4,000 in United States currency. The defendant was found in possession of the victim’s state identification card inside of his bag.
The victim was transported by victim advocates to a safe location and provided services.
Williams has been charged with Trafficking in Individuals, Prostitution and Related Offenses (Promoting Prostitution), Unlawful Conduct Regarding Documents, and Criminal Use of a Communication Facility and is currently incarcerated in Berks County Jail System. Bail was set at $100,000.00.
The Berks County Human Trafficking Task Force includes members from the Berks County District Attorney’s Office Detective Unit, Spring Township Police Department, Wyomissing Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations- Allentown Office (HSI), and Zoe International.
