Baltimore Madame Indicted on 135 Charges in Maryland Human Trafficking Case (2024)

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BALTIMORE, MD—Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced the indictment of Kenika Danielle Leach, a 33-year-old Baltimore resident, facing 135 counts related to operating a human trafficking ring. The indictment, issued by a Washington County grand jury, is the result of a comprehensive two-year investigation led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit.

Leach is accused of trafficking at least 11 women from Hagerstown to various hotels across Maryland to perform commercial indecent acts. The charges against her include managing a criminal organization and conspiracy to commit human trafficking by force, threat, coercion, or fraud.

The investigation began in December 2021 when Baltimore Police were alerted by hospital staff that a patient had been trafficked by Leach. The victim reported being moved from Hagerstown to the Baltimore area to engage in commercial acts, with Leach profiting and compensating her with drugs.

The multi-agency investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations and Maryland State Police, and relied heavily on evidence from cell phone, social media, and financial records. Investigators uncovered that Leach exploited the victims’ drug addictions, controlling their drug access to coerce them into human trafficking work, often receiving payments through the Cash App.

Physical violence and intimidation were also methods Leach allegedly used to control the victims, including ordering them to “get on the wall” to inflict beatings without harming their appearance.

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Leach’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 24, 2024, in Washington County Circuit Court. Attorney General Brown emphasized the psychological and physical trauma inflicted on the victims, reaffirming his commitment to prosecuting such crimes to support community safety and victim recovery.

  • Urgent Search for Missing Teen in D.C.

    WASHINGTON, DC — Police in D.C. are asking for assistance in locating 14-year-old Rajon Edwards, who was last observed on Wednesday at 3:20 PM on the 1200 block of Brentwood Road in Northeast DC.

    Rajon is described as a Black male, 5'9" tall, weighing 135 pounds, with brown eyes and black dreadlocks. He was last seen wearing a black hooded shirt, black pants, and black and gray New Balance sneakers.

    Baltimore Madame Indicted on 135 Charges in Maryland Human Trafficking Case (3)

    Anyone with information regarding Rajon's whereabouts is urged to contact the police at 202-727-9099 or send a text to 50411.

  • D.C. Police Warn of Police Impersonator Phone Scam

    Washington, D.C. - D.C. Police have issued a warning today about a phone scam targeting the public. Impersonating MPD officers, scammers have been contacting individuals, falsely claiming that warrants have been issued for their arrest due to failure to appear at a court date. Victims are then instructed to go to police headquarters to avoid imminent arrest, with the scammers insisting on secrecy regarding the call.

    You must not feel pressured to act if you receive unsolicited calls resembling this scam. Scammers may possess some public information about you, but this does not authenticate their claims. Verify the call's legitimacy by directly contacting the appropriate agency using customer service information on their official websites.

    MPD will never demand payment over the phone. Refrain from disclosing your credit card number, personal details, or financial information. Avoid wiring money or transferring funds to unknown individuals. Inform your friends and family about the scam to help protect your community.

    The public is reminded that the Metropolitan Police Department never solicits individuals' monetary funds, bank information, or social security numbers.

    To check if you have an active D.C. Court arrest warrant, visit the DC Courts Active Warrant List or contact the D.C. Courts directly at (202) 879-1010. For inquiries about jury summons, contact the D.C. Court Juror Office at (202) 879-4604 or via email at jurorhelp@dcsc.gov.

    If you've fallen victim to this scam in the District of Columbia, contact the Financial and Cyber Crimes Unit at (202) 727-4159 or email mpd.fraud-unit@dc.gov.

  • Public Assistance Requested in Fatal Hit-and-Run Case in Towson

    TOWSON, MD — The Baltimore County Crash Team is urgently seeking the public's assistance in locating a vehicle involved in a fatal hit-and-run incident that occurred on June 1, 2024, at approximately 9:25 PM on Northbound Route 702. The vehicle, identified as a 2018-2021 Ford F250 or F350 Super Duty, was last seen heading north towards I-695.

    Tragically, the crash resulted in the death of 70-year-old Ronald Lee Lefavore, who was pronounced dead at the scene by Baltimore County paramedics. The ongoing investigation by the Baltimore County Crash Team aims to determine the circ*mstances surrounding the accident and apprehend the responsible driver.

    Metro Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest and felony charges against the suspect. Tips can be provided anonymously in several ways:

    • Online: Through the Metro Crime Stoppers website.
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    The community's cooperation is crucial in bringing justice to the victim and preventing further incidents. Anyone with information is encouraged to come forward.

    Baltimore Madame Indicted on 135 Charges in Maryland Human Trafficking Case (6)
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    TAKE 5 numbers are drawn from a field of one through 39. The drawing is televised twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. A Lottery draw game prize of any amount may be claimed up to one year from the drawing date.

  • SummerFest 2024 Returns to Brick Township with Exciting Lineup

    BRICK, NJ — SummerFest, presented by Pine Belt Cars, marks its 29th season this year at Windward Beach Park, offering a series of free concerts and spectacular fireworks. The event kicks off on Thursday, July 4, with a performance by Super Trans Am, celebrated for their high-energy renditions of classic arena anthems.

    This year's lineup includes:

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    Each concert is followed by a dazzling fireworks display, adding to the festive atmosphere. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food options at the food court and beverages in the beer and wine garden, accessible to guests 21 and over with a valid ID.

    To ensure convenience for all, free shuttle bus service is available from multiple locations including Drum Point Elementary School and Brick Township High School. Shuttle service begins at 5pm, and parking at the venue is limited.

    Windward Beach Park will come alive this July at SummerFest 2024 presented by Pine Belt Cars. Celebrating its 29th season, Brick Township’s SummerFest has become one of the most popular summer traditions at the Jersey Shore. SummerFest Concerts feature great music from exceptional performers who will rock the park with the greatest hits of yesterday and today. The fun doesn’t stop there. After each concert we will have a breathtaking fireworks display, painting the night sky with vibrant colors!

    SummerFest 2024 promises a month of memorable evenings filled with music, food, and community spirit, all set against the backdrop of the scenic Jersey Shore at Windward Beach Park.

    4

  • The Largest Pinball Machine in the World is at the Jersey Shore

    ASBURY PARK, NJ — Did you know the biggest pinball machine ever made can be played right here at the Jersey Shore? Hercules is a massive behemoth of a pinball machine that is ridiculously huge. As some might say, they don't make pinball machines that huge and nobody else has a bigger pinball machine.

    The massive pinball machine "Hercules," crafted by Atari, has been discovered at the Silverball Pinball Museum in Asbury Park. Due to its extraordinary size, it has drawn considerable attention.

    "Hercules," created by Atari in 1979, is the largest pinball machine ever commercially produced. This behemoth stands seven feet tall, stretches eight feet in length, and spans three and a half feet in width. It was originally designed by Ron Halliburton in 1976 under the prototype name Bigfoot for Bally Manufacturing Corporation but was later sold and reimagined by Atari.

    Due to its size, the machine required custom-made parts, including modified washing machine solenoids to power its gameplay mechanics and a pool cue ball instead of a traditional pinball to suit its large scale. These design changes were essential as standard components could not withstand the game's intense vibrations and the stress on its frame.

    You can play Hercules at the Silverball Pinball Museum on the boardwalk in Asbury Park. The machine dwarfs all of its neighbors.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN_WW18ox2c

    Visually, "Hercules" is as striking as its size. Atari's designers used vibrant "circus colors" for its artwork, heavily featuring orange and purple. The game’s theme incorporates various elements from Greek mythology, including representations of Hercules' labors, such as his battles with the Nemean Lion and the Amazon warriors.

    Only a limited number of these pinball machines were produced, with estimates suggesting no more than 500 units were made. The "Hercules" pinball machine at the Silverball Pinball Museum is a rare artifact and a playable piece of history, contributing to the rich tapestry of the arcade gaming culture.

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