A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a Daytona Beach, Florida man with federal charges related to sex trafficking.
Frank Smith, 27, is charged with one count of knowingly transporting an individual in interstate commerce with the intent for that individual to engage in prostitution and one count of using a facility of interstate commerce (an iPhone) to engage in the promotion of prostitution.
“Human trafficking is a crime that often occurs in plain sight. All across the Commonwealth, in big cities and small towns, individuals are forced into this form of modern day slavery,” Acting United States Attorney Zachary T. Lee said. “The Justice Department is committed to ending it and holding those responsible accountable. These charges demonstrate the commitment of the Virginia State Police and our federal and local partners to rooting out human trafficking in our Commonwealth. I am grateful for their continued efforts.”
“The Virginia State Police is committed to bringing traffickers to justice, and stopping human trafficking is a primary focus of our agency,” said Colonel Matthew D. Hanley, Superintendent of Virginia State Police. “Our special agents work tirelessly with our federal and local partners every day to make Virginia a safer place to live.”
According to court documents, Smith traveled with Victim 1 across multiple states, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia for the purpose of prostitution. In September 2024, Smith allegedly transported Victim 1 across state lines into Roanoke with the intent that Victim 1 engage in prostitution.
On Oct. 8, 2024, agents with the Virginia State Police Human Trafficking Unit, with assistance from several local law enforcement agencies, contacted Victim 1 at a hotel in Radford after seeing an ad for her “services” posted on a website used to advertise illicit sex.
Agents set up a “date” with Victim 1 for the purpose of performing a “knock-and-talk.” When they arrived at the hotel, they explained who they were and that she was not in trouble. Agents ultimately learned that Victim 1 had been trafficked by a male later identified as Frank Smith.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Virginia State Police Human Trafficking Unit are investigating the case. Valuable investigative assistance was provided by the Radford Police Department, the Blacksburg Police Department, the Christiansburg Police Department, and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
U.S. Attorney’s Office of Western District
