Frederick Police Arrest suspect in Human Trafficking Incident
On 12/30/2017 at approximately 1551 hours, Frederick Police Officers responded to a report of a possible abduction involving a juvenile female in the 400 block of South Jefferson Street. Officers arrived on scene and located the juvenile victim. Officers determined the incident was related to human trafficking and not an abduction. The male suspect also remained at the scene when police arrived. The victim, who was a reported runaway out of PG County was later transported to area hospital for evaluation and later released to her parents.
Detective Loftis arrived on scene and assigned as the lead investigator in this case. Through the subsequent investigation, Detective Loftis was able to identify the suspect in this case to be Abiathar Abraham Vance. The investigation revealed the suspect transported the 16 year old female to the Frederick area and enticed the minor to engage in prostitution for him at an area hotel. The suspect and the female juvenile victim were known to one another prior to the incident.
Again, the suspect remained on scene when officers arrived and later taken into custody without incident. Suspect transported to Criminal Investigation Section to be interviewed. Based on evidence collected and witness statements the suspect was taken to the Frederick County Adult Detention Center without incident and charged with the below listed offenses.
The Frederick Police Department is asking anyone with additional information in this case to contact Detective Gregory Loftis at 240-674-8941. Callers may also remain anonymous and contact the Frederick Police Department’s Crime Tip Line at 301-600-TIPS (8477), send information via email to fpdcrimetip@frederickmdpolice.org or send a text to 240-674-TIPS (8477).
Suspect:
Vance, Abiathar Abraham
DOB: 01/17/1978
No Fixed Address
Charges:
(3) Counts Human Trafficking
Case#: 2017-109050
Incident Type: Human Trafficking
Investigator: Detective Gregory Loftis
Author: Corporal Steven Petruzzello-240-674-7149
Public Information Contact: Kirk Henneberry- 301-600-6217