Task Force Rescues Human Trafficking Victims, Arrests 2 Men

Police in Tuscaloosa rescued several women believed to be victims of human trafficking and arrested two men Friday during an undercover sting at a hotel on McFarland Boulevard.

According to a release from the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force, the vice operation was conducted specifically to identify potential victims of this modern sex slavery, which remains extremely prevalent on the I-20/59 interstate corridor.

Officers were able to find cause to arrested 25-year-old Isaiah Rashaud Williams and 26-year-old Demetrius Lamonallen Wright and charge both men with felony promotion of prostitution and possession of a controlled substance.

The men accused of being pimps are both from Cairo, Georgia.

They were arrested Friday and booked in the Tuscaloosa County Jail. Williams, who was charged with two counts of possession of a controlled substance and one count of promoting prostitution, had his combined bond set at $30,000. Wright was one charged with one county of possession and his bond was set at $20,000. Both men had been released on bond early Sunday morning.

The women rescued were transported to a safe location where they are being provided victim’s services.

Lt. Darren Beams, the commander of the human trafficking task force, said the investigating is ongoing and more charges will be filed, including the possibility of federal charges.

"The I-20/59 Corridor, continues to be a travel route for those engaged in this lucrative and heinous criminal enterprise," Beams said. "This task force is committed to eradicating this criminal enterprise from Tuscaloosa County."

The West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force is comprised of officers from the Tuscaloosa Police Department, the Northport Police Department, UAPD and the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office.