An investigation into Ernest Wilkerson, of Rockville, was launched in December 2021 after a female said she was sex trafficked by him in October of that year, Montgomery County police said.
Wilkerson, 32, was arrested on Jan. 27, 2022 near Heartfields Road in Silver Spring, where he tried to pick up a trafficking victim in his red 2009 Cadillac DTS, authorities said.
His intent was to take her to a hotel to meet with individuals for the purpose of sexual exploitation, police said.
Detectives have released a photo of Wilkerson and his vehicle and encourage anyone who may be a victim of sex trafficking by Wilkerson, to come forward.
Wilkerson was taken to the Central Processing Unit, where he has been charged with sex trafficking and prostitution-related charges. He was being held without bond.
Detectives believe that there may be additional victims of sex trafficking by Wilkerson that have not contacted police. Detectives are urging victims to contact the Vice & Intelligence Unit at 240-773-5958.
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