News Summary
Two men from Lexington, Russell Edward Miller and Earl W. Smith, have been indicted on serious human trafficking charges, including promoting human trafficking and using minors for illicit purposes. Their arrests represent a concerted effort by law enforcement agencies in Virginia to address the pervasive issue of human trafficking. Alongside these indictments, another local man, Larry Coffman, was convicted of sex trafficking minors. Authorities emphasize the need for community vigilance in reporting suspected trafficking activities.
Lexington, VA – A Lexington man, Russell Edward Miller, was indicted on April 29 in Montgomery County Circuit Court on serious charges related to human trafficking. Miller faces multiple counts including promoting human trafficking and procurement or promoting the use of a minor by electronic means. His arrest was carried out by the U.S. Marshals Service in collaboration with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department at his residence in Lexington.
In a related development, Earl W. Smith, a 67-year-old from Lexington, was also arrested by Virginia State Police on charges of human trafficking, prostitution, and other offenses. Smith is facing accusations including transportation for prostitution and residing in a bawdy place. Smith’s arrest came after an extensive investigation by the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation into human trafficking activities in the Roanoke Valley and Rockbridge County.
During the investigation, authorities seized physical evidence substantiating the charges against Smith, as well as narcotics and firearms from locations under his control. Currently, Smith is being held at the Rockbridge Regional Jail as the investigation continues.
The Virginia State Police have urged anyone with information regarding human trafficking—whether as a witness or a victim—to report it. Individuals can contact authorities through a text message service or an anonymous tip portal, further emphasizing the community’s role in combatting such crimes.
These incidents coincide with another disturbing case in the region. Larry Coffman, a Mercer County man, was convicted on Tuesday in Lexington for sex trafficking of children. At 42 years old, Coffman was found guilty on two counts of sex trafficking involving minors and committing a felony involving a minor. The trial disclosed that Coffman had solicited, recruited, and enticed two minor victims for sex acts in exchange for tangible benefits in February 2023.
Coffman’s conviction is particularly significant given his history as a repeat offender. He had previously been convicted of a related sex offense and is required to register as a sex offender. Due to the severity of his actions, Coffman faces a sentencing range that could result in a minimum of 25 years to life in prison, with formal sentencing scheduled for July 28.
These recent legal actions signify a pronounced effort by law enforcement agencies in Virginia to tackle the pressing issue of human trafficking. As investigations continue, authorities remain vigilant, encouraging members of the community to assist in these efforts by reporting any suspicious activities or potential trafficking cases.
The challenges of human trafficking remain a critical concern across the United States, with local authorities working diligently to raise awareness and surface cases that may otherwise remain hidden. The combination of dedicated law enforcement investigations and community vigilance plays a vital role in combating this egregious violation of human rights.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Montgomery County Man Indicted on Human Trafficking Charges
Julie Chrisley Reflects on Life After Prison Sentence
Anthropologist Jason De León Discusses Human Smuggling
Search Intensifies for Missing University Student in Dominican Republic
The Controversy Over Andrew Tate and Republican Support
New Law Sparks Controversy Over Immigration Policies
Lexington’s Human Smuggling Case Involves Forced Labor
New Kentucky Laws Set to Impact Residents in 2025
Additional Resources
- WTVQ: Lexington Man Accused of Human Trafficking
- LEX18: Lexington Man Indicted for Promoting Human Trafficking
- Fox 56 News: Lexington Man Arrested After Indictment for Human Trafficking
- LEX18: Federal Jury Convicts Mercer Co Man for Child Sex Trafficking
- WKYT: KSP Crime Report Shows Increase in KY Human Trafficking
- Wikipedia: Human Trafficking
- Google Search: Human Trafficking Statistics
- Google Scholar: Human Trafficking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Trafficking
- Google News: Human Trafficking News
