LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — A Little Rock woman has been rescued after a man was arrested in Miami, Florida for his alleged connection to human trafficking.
Law enforcement arrested 29-year-old Kyron Richardson for his involvement that forced a 21-year-old Little Rock woman into "commercialized prostitution," according to a press release.
Officials said the victim was reportedly contacted through "a series of social media communications" and was invited by Richardson to travel with him from Little Rock to Miami.
Richardson allegedly said "she was too beautiful" to be in Little Rock and offered a one-way plane ticket to Miami.
When she arrived, she was taken to a home where she met three other women and admitted to seeing physical violence towards other women.
The victim stated she feared for her life because Richardson owned a rifle and felt she would anger him if she didn't earn money through prostitution and dancing.
She was finally able to text her father on Thanksgiving and told him she was in trouble and sent him the address.
The Miami Police Department was contacted on November 29 and Richardson was arrested.
He was arrested with $18,000 in cash on him and several guns were found at the home.
Richardson will be charged with two counts of first-degree human trafficking, unlawful use of a communications device, and deriving support from proceeds of prostitution.
According to Partners of Trafficking Humans (PATH), Arkansas ranks in the top 5 in the nation for trafficking.
Alex Smith with PATH said there are some things to be aware of when talking to strangers online:
1. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
2. If you are planning to meet up with someone from the internet, let a loved one know where you are going.
3. Parents should know what apps and websites their kids are on and make sure to be aware of who they are talking to.