BREAKING: Woman charged with 135 counts of sex trafficking allegedly moved women from Hagerstown to Baltimore

June 3, 2024 – Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that Kenika Danielle Leach, 33, of Baltimore, was indicted by a Washington County grand jury in a 135-year indictment charges. The charges stem from a two-year, multi-agency investigation by the Attorney General's Organized Crime Unit, which identified at least 11 women from Hagerstown, Maryland, who had been trafficked by Leach and his organization to hotels and motels across Maryland for the purpose of committing commercial sex acts. Charges in the indictment include operating a criminal organization and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, threat, coercion or fraud.

“Sex trafficking is a horrific crime that often preys on people suffering from drug addiction, exploiting their addiction to coerce and control them. » said Attorney General Brown. “The lasting harm inflicted on survivors is profound: it is physically and psychologically traumatic and shatters their sense of security and self-esteem. My office works tirelessly to bring the perpetrators to justice, for the safety of the community, and so that survivors can begin to heal and get their lives back on track.

In December 2021, the Baltimore Police Department was notified by local hospital staff that a patient had disclosed being a victim of sex trafficking by Leach. Specifically, the victim told police that Leach took her from Hagerstown to the Baltimore area to perform commercial sex acts, for which Leach received money and “compensated” the victim by giving her sex. drug. Shortly afterward, detectives contacted the organized crime unit of the attorney general's office, which launched what became a two-year investigation into Leach and his criminal organization, which sometimes billed itself as “Pussy Kat Klub.”

By working with partner agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and the Maryland State Police, and reviewing large quantities of cell phones, social media and financial records, the investigative team identified 10 additional victims sex trafficking who had also been trafficked by Leach from Hagerstown to hotels. in the Baltimore and Anne Arundel County areas for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts.

As the indictment alleges, knowing that each of the women was actively suffering from drug addiction, Leach exploited their vulnerability by supplying them with drugs, then controlling and restricting their access to the drugs, in order to coerce them into engaging in commercial sex acts for his own benefit. financial enrichment. By giving drugs to victims, Leach created a dynamic in which women became indebted to her with a “drug debt,” which they were then forced to repay by engaging in commercial sex acts. The money they earned from these acts was often paid directly to Leach via the “Cash App” phone application.

The indictment also alleges that Leach used physical violence to coerce and control the women. For example, when Leach intended to physically assault women to punish them for disobeying her rules, she would order them to “stand on the wall” and cover their faces so she could beat them without affecting their physical appearance. Leach also used intimidation and manipulation to coerce women into remaining obedient and loyal to him.

Leach's next appearance is scheduled for June 24, 2024, in Washington County Circuit Court.

“The hard work of BPD detectives, combined with our strong partnerships with law enforcement, demonstrates once again that we are capable of holding criminals accountable and bringing closure to members of our community.” » Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said.. “In this case, thanks to our continued and successful collaborations, we were able to arrest a criminal who was preying on vulnerable populations. I hope this indictment brings some peace to everyone affected by Kenika Leach's unlawful actions.

“This collaborative, multi-agency effort highlights our commitment to protecting vulnerable people and ensuring human traffickers are brought to justice.” » said Colonel Roland L. Butler, Jr., Superintendent of Police, Maryland Department of State.. “Leveraging the strengths and resources of local, state and federal law enforcement, we dismantled a significant human trafficking network in the state and provided vital support to victims. »

“Although Kenika Danielle Leach will have her day in court, she is charged with very serious and disturbing crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy of HSI Baltimore. “Through her actions, Ms. Leach allegedly victimized at least 11 Maryland residents. Hopefully this indictment can bring them some comfort knowing that their alleged predator will be held accountable. HSI Baltimore will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to investigate and dismantle human trafficking rings operating throughout the state of Maryland.

In making today's announcement, Attorney General Brown thanked Criminal Division Chief Katie Dorian, Organized Crime Unit Chief Paul Halliday, and the men and women of the Washington Police Department. Baltimore, Homeland Security Investigations and Maryland State Police. Attorney General Brown also thanked Criminal Division Deputy Chief Jared Albert and Assistant Attorney General W. David Wiseman, Jr., who are prosecuting this case, as well as Victim and Witness Assistance Program Director Tiffany Bright for his assistance in this investigation.

Attorney General Brown also thanked Anne Arundel County Police Department Chief Amal E. Awad, Baltimore County Police Department Chief Robert O. McCullough, Washington County Sheriff Brian K Albert, Hagerstown Police Chief Paul Kifer, Anne Arundel County State's Attorney Anne Colt Leitess. , Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger, and Washington County State's Attorney Gina Cirincion for their assistance in this investigation.

A criminal charge is simply an accusation of wrongdoing, and a defendant is presumed innocent until the state proves he or she is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.