HUMAN TRAFFICKING - TERRIS WILLIAMS
News Date: Thursday, April 13, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: April 13, 2023Contact: John Adams, District Attorney
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Human Trafficking
DEFENDANTS: Terris Williams
158 Winthrop Avenue
Elmsford, NY 10523
Terris Williams
CHARGES: Trafficking in Individuals
Prostitution and Related Offenses (Promoting Prostitution)
Unlawful Conduct Regarding Documents
Criminal Use of a Communication Facility
DETAILS OF INCIDENT:
On April 12, 2023, members of the Berks County Human Trafficking Task Force, which 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, rescued a victim of human trafficking. 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, Berks County. Members of the Human Trafficking Task Force located an advertisement for the female on a website commonly known for the sex trade. 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 the defendant was observed walking toward the vehicle. The defendant then contacted the victim and stated to “get out of the car.”
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.
The Defendant is currently incarcerated in Berks County Jail System. Bail was set at $100,000.00
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, Berks County. Members of the Human Trafficking Task Force located an advertisement for the female on a website commonly known for the sex trade. 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 the defendant was observed walking toward the vehicle. The defendant then contacted the victim and stated to “get out of the car.”
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.
The Defendant is currently incarcerated in Berks County Jail System. Bail was set at $100,000.00