Fayetteville Police claim that a local man forced a 19-year-old Fort Bragg soldier into prostitution last year, often operating in the barracks from the months of August to December.
According to the Fayetteville Observer, Jibri Quandel Thomas turned himself in to Fayetteville Police on January 11th, 2016.
Thomas, 23, now faces several state and federal charges related to prostitution and human trafficking.
Recent court documents allege that Thomas “did recruit, entice and transport” the soldier “with the intent of being held in involuntary servitude for the purpose of prostitution.” Police, however, have declined to give details on how exactly the soldier was recruited or was held in involuntary servitude.
Although they have called it “a unique situation”, Fort Bragg officials said they are taking the issue seriously, even if they don’t see it as a widespread issue.
“Though this may be a unique situation, any soldier or family member forced into human trafficking needs to know help is available,” Post Spokesman Tom McCollum said in a recent press statement. “Primarily, they should turn to their immediate commander or senior (noncommissioned officer) for help.”
McCollum also stated that victims should call 9-1-1, Fort Bragg’s Family Advocacy Program’s victim advocates at 322-3418 or the post’s SHARP advocates at 584-4267 if a victim does not feel comfortable talking to a law enforcement agency.
“Both lines are available 24 hours a day,” McCollum said.
The identity of the servicemember has been withheld. Both Ft.Bragg and Fayetteville Police Public Affairs Offices were unavailable for further comment.
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