Man charged with sex trafficking two women in Providence

By News Staff

news@abc6.com 

State Police have arrested a man on various charges after an investigation into a prostitution ring.

Damien Beverly, 29, of Providence, is charged with Interstate Transportation for Purposes of Prostitution, Enticing a Person to Travel in Interstate Commerce for Purposes of Prostitution, Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud and Coercion, and Distribution of Heroin.

Police say they began an investigation in December after receiving information regarding alleged prostitution and human trafficking within a residence of 149 Ridge Street.

Detectives were able to identify advertisements on a website Backpage, under the escort section that were posted by Beverly.

State Police, Homeland Security investigators and the FBI executed a search warrant Tuesday at the residence.

Police located and rescued two females during the search warrant and arrested Beverly. One female told State Police, “Today is the best day of my life….you all saved me.” 

The female allegedly had been forced to provide sexual services in return for shelter and a daily quantity of heroin to support their addictions.

Beverly allegedly threatened them and their families with physical violence if they attempted to escape or seek police.

Beverly is being held in federal custody. 

(C) WLNE/TV 2015