Firefighter indicted in human trafficking

In July 2012, Jamar Simmons, a city firefighter and another man, Franklin Coit were arrested in Baltimore city for what police called a large-scale prostitution ring stemming from a warehouse on Pulaski Street. 

 

According to the federal indictment, Simmons and Coit, falsely advertised positions online for exotic dancers and an escort service to recruit women from inside and outside of Maryland to participate. 

 

As part of the conspiracy, the pair arranged for airplanes, trains and other modes of transportation to get women from other states including Delaware, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, South Dakota and Virginia back into Maryland with the intent to enter into prostitution. 

 

The two men used an online website, backpage.com, to secure advertisement and schedule commercial sex acts. 

 

The indictment lists six counts including conspiracy, interstate transportation for prostitution, coercion and enticement, sex trafficking conspiracy, sex trafficking of a minor and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  

 

Simmons is currently in federal custody, however, Coit is not.