Eugene Delgaudio - Sterling District
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Human Trafficking in Waterford?

April 28, 2006

This just came in. I felt you would want to know about this as soon as
possible. I will write again on some upcoming events shortly.

>>>>Sheriff's Deputy Uncovers Possible Human Trafficking Ring

A Loudoun Sheriff's Deputy on routine patrol near Waterford uncovered a
possible human trafficking ring and now 14 people are in the custody of
federal authorities.

The investigation revealed that the group, all of whom are believed to
be illegal immigrants, had traveled from the U.S. border in the
southwest to Virginia. Each of them is believed to have paid $1500 for
the transportation. Their final destination was unclear.

The possible ring was discovered by a Sheriff's Deputy who was driving
on Charles Town Pike (Route 9) around 12:15 AM Thursday. In the parking
lot of the Waterford Shell the deputy observed a suspicious pick-up with
Oklahoma tags.

The deputy shined his light at the Ford F-Series pick-up and noticed
several occupants inside. Upon further investigation 14 people were
found crammed inside the truck. They
included three people in the front seat, four in the extended cab area
and seven in the bed of the truck. The bed of the truck was covered with
a camper shell and had tinted windows.

Special Agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
responded to the scene and took all 14 suspects into custody. The
suspects, who are believed to be illegal immigrants, included 12 males,
an adult female and a juvenile female.

The investigation into the possible case of human trafficking is being
handled by members of ICE. Members of the Loudoun Sheriff's Gang
Intelligence Unit and the Northern Virginia Gang Task Force assisted
with the initial investigation.

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