Kenndric Roberts, 33, is facing multiple felonies after police uncovered what they believe is a case of human trafficking. His charges currently include six counts of false imprisonment, six counts of trafficking a person for labor, and two counts of possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Eight women, ranging from ages 19 to 22, were found being held in a $1.2 million home in a gated community in the suburbs of Atlanta.
The case came to the attention of the police last week thanks to a 20-year-old woman who made a call to 911. She told the dispatcher, “I’m in a very bad situation, and I need to get out.” Her voice was quiet and calm as she explained that she was in a house full of girls and that the man, her “boss,” would kill her if she tried to leave.
Held captive: alleged human trafficking
The woman told the 911 dispatcher that there were cameras and weapons in the house. Police later found an AK-47 and a Glock .45-caliber handgun. While it is not clear how long some of the women were held at the home, the caller said she believed she had been there for about a month. The young woman told police she met Roberts on SeekingArrangement.com, a website that offers “mutually beneficial relationships.” Roberts is thought to have lured the women in by promising them modeling and dancing jobs.
Some of the women talked openly to police and told them that they were forced to undergo plastic surgery and work at strip clubs. They were ordered by Roberts to leave their cell phones and ID’s at home any time they left the house.
One woman stated that Roberts told her he was “going to pay someone to cut her chest open, take out the implants, and cut her up.”
Roberts made them all get matching “LOP” tattoos on their wrists, standing for “loyalty over pride.” The women say Roberts dressed them alike, chose their underwear and makeup, and only let them leave to go to the strip club, grocery shopping, or to get their nails done.
The woman who called police described it as feeling like a robot or a puppet.
Atlanta police and FBI continue investigation
Roberts waived his court appearance last Thursday, as well as one scheduled for last Friday for new charges. He’s currently being held without bond in Fulton County Jail with another hearing planned for March 24th.
Federal authorities say that all eight of the women have been brought to families or placed in safe houses. The FBI office in Atlanta is assisting with the investigation, and is asking for other potential victims to come forward.
