Raid targets several Western Pennsylvania locations in alleged multistate trafficking ring

Operation ran through massage parlors in Florida, Pennsylvania, Virginia, authorities say

Updated: 4:03 PM EDT Aug 16, 2019


Several locations in the Pittsburgh area were raided in an investigation of an alleged human trafficking ring that authorities say was being run through massage parlors in Florida, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

State authorities and FBI agents executed nine search warrants Thursday in Turtle Creek, Carnegie, Jeannette, Bridgeville, Erie and McKees Rocks, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office said.

The announcement did not include specific addresses that were raided.

(PREVIOUS: Pittsburgh FBI reveals efforts against sex trafficking; tap the video player above to watch the report.)

David Williams, 41, of Pensacola, was arrested and charged by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Florida with using interstate facilities for purposes of racketeering, conspiracy to commit money laundering and harboring illegal aliens for commercial advantage or private financial gain, according to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro.

"The charges allege that Williams was exploiting undocumented women and offering sexual acts for money during massages at his parlors," Shapiro said in a written statement.

The investigation is ongoing, and Shapiro noted that it began with a tip to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

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