5 cited in York County prostitution, possible human trafficking case near Carowinds
Five people have been cited by York County deputies in connection with a prostitution and human trafficking investigation, officials said.
The arrests happened late Thursday through Friday morning after an operation at a Carowinds Boulevard motel near Interstate 77 and the North Carolina state line, said Trent Faris, spokesman for the York County Sheriff’s Office.
The people cited for prostitution are: Courtney Ann Kinner, 36, of Summerville; Allyson Leigh Simmons, 49, of Charlotte; Erin Emerald Tuchbaum, 31, of Charlotte; Wanda Jean Overcash, 43, of Charlotte; and Marissa Lyn May, 27, of Wisconsin.
A sixth person believed to have been involved is not being identified because the case remains under investigation, York County Sheriff Kevin Tolson said.
That person was identified in the investigation as a potential victim of human trafficking, Tolson said. Officials believe that sixth person was forced or coerced into actions involving illegal sex acts, Tolson said.
“We understand that individuals who engage in this type of illegal activity are often victims themselves,” Tolson said Friday. “ The York County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to enforcing the law, but we are also mindful of the circumstances that may lead a person to this life.”
Sheriff’s deputies, drug agents, federal Department of Homeland Security officers, and York County drug enforcement and special operations group officers were part of the the investigation, deputies said.
The sheriff’s office and York County drug unit have been involved in prostitution stings that combat human trafficking in the same area for years.
York County deputies Phillip Aldridge and Terry Vinesett were honored in 2017 by South Carolina officials and federal law enforcement agencies for their efforts to combat human trafficking at the state line.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
This story was originally published March 6, 2020 at 12:08 PM with the headline "5 cited in York County prostitution, possible human trafficking case near Carowinds."
