A federal grand jury in Roanoke, Virginia, has indicted Frank Smith, a 27-year-old man from Daytona Beach, Florida, on charges related to sex trafficking. The indictment includes one count of knowingly transporting an individual across state lines for prostitution and another count of using an iPhone to promote prostitution.
Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee emphasized the commitment of the Justice Department to combat human trafficking. “Human trafficking is a crime that often occurs in plain sight. All across the Commonwealth, in big cities and small towns, individuals are forced into this form of modern-day slavery. The Justice Department is committed to ending it and holding those responsible accountable,” he stated.
Virginia State Police Superintendent Colonel Matthew D. Hanley also commented on the agency's dedication to addressing human trafficking: “The Virginia State Police is committed to bringing traffickers to justice, and stopping human trafficking is a primary focus of our agency."
Court documents reveal that Smith allegedly traveled with Victim 1 through multiple states including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia for prostitution purposes. In September 2024, he reportedly transported Victim 1 into Roanoke, Virginia with the intent for her to engage in prostitution.
On October 8, 2024, agents from the Virginia State Police Human Trafficking Unit contacted Victim 1 at a hotel in Radford after discovering an advertisement for her services online. During their encounter at the hotel set up as a "knock-and-talk," agents identified Smith as her trafficker.
The investigation involves Homeland Security Investigations and several local law enforcement agencies including the Radford Police Department and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Brett is handling the prosecution.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.