On Tuesday, March 26, 2019, the Louisiana State Police (LSP) Bureau of Investigations – Special Victims Unit (SVU), the U.S. Marshals Service, and New Orleans Police Department arrested 42-year-old Melvin Davis on multiple charges, including child sex trafficking. His alleged victim, a missing 16-year-old juvenile is now safe.
According to a statement released by the Louisiana State Police, the victim escaped from a New Orleans residence where she had been held captive for several weeks. During that time, she was repeatedly raped and beaten by Davis. LSP detectives obtained a search warrant for the residence, as well as an arrest warrant for Davis.
The LSP states that the investigation is ongoing and that more charges and additional arrests are expected in the case.
Davis was booked into the Orleans Justice Center on the following:
- Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes
- Third Degree Rape
- Felony Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile
- False Imprisonment
- Possession of a Firearm while in Possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance
- Possession with the Intent to Distribute a Schedule I Controlled Dangerous Substance
Victims and survivors of human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline, a national anti-trafficking hotline serving victims and survivors. The hotline can be reached by calling 1-888-373-7888, via text at 233733, via email at help@humantraffickinghotline.org, or by visiting their website.
Jenn Bentley is a writer and editor originally from Cadiz, Kentucky. Her writing has been featured in publications such as The Examiner, The High Tech Society, FansShare, Yahoo News, and others. When she’s not writing or editing, Jenn spends her time raising money for Extra Life and advocating for autism awareness. Follow her on Twitter: @JennBentley_
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