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The following was taken from a press release distributed by the Roswell Police Department on August 28, 2024:
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – The Roswell Police Department (RPD) has arrested three people on charges related to human trafficking following a multi-jurisdictional enforcement operation, marking the latest in the City of Roswell’s ongoing efforts to combat this crime in Roswell and throughout Georgia.
“There is no more important compact for a city with its residents than the compact of public safety and protecting those who cannot defend themselves,” Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson said. “This operation is another vital step in the City of Roswell’s ongoing fight to eradicate human trafficking and illicit activities in our community.”
In March of this year, detectives with RPD’s Special Investigations Section began investigating the solicitation of prostitution in Roswell through various internet channels. That investigation led to the discovery of a criminal enterprise operating out of apartments in Roswell and throughout the Metro Atlanta area, providing illicit massage or outright prostitution out of their buildings.
On August 22, the Roswell Police Department, with assistance from DeKalb County Police, Gwinnett County Police, Sandy Springs Police, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation, served search and arrest warrants at seven locations throughout the day:
· 1006 Applegate Dr., Roswell
· 900 Jameson Pass, Alpharetta
· 6890 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Sandy Springs
· 1050 Hammond Dr., Sandy Springs
· 1105 Mount Vernon Hwy NE, Sandy Springs
· 4021 McGinnis Ferry Rd., Suwanee
· 2037 Weems Rd., Tucker
As a result, the following individuals were arrested on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking, and labor trafficking:
· Jeannot Joseph, age 39, of Roswell
· Qin Zhen, age 48, of Sandy Springs
· Jinpei Li, age 72, of Norcross
In the course of the search warrants, one victim was identified, adding to the two victims who were located earlier this year as part of the same investigation. Significant evidence of additional human trafficking activities was also uncovered and will be pursued through further investigations. RPD’s victim advocate, along with staff from anti-trafficking partner organization “Tapestri,” were on hand to provide assistance and resources as needed, and will continue to support the investigation as it progresses.
These arrests come just under a year after RPD conducted a similar operation in September 2023, resulting in multiple arrests and the rescue of over 50 human trafficking victims to date. Since taking office in 2022, Mayor Kurt Wilson and the Roswell City Council have made it a priority to combat such illicit activities, including the approval of ordinances that put new restrictions around licensing and permitting for massage and spa establishments within the City.
“Our success in this operation is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our officers, and the invaluable support of our partner agencies,” said Chief of Police James Conroy. “This is more than just a victory for law enforcement; it is a significant step forward in our ongoing fight to protect the vulnerable and bring justice to those who exploit them. Human trafficking is taking place in our communities, and we are committed to putting an end to it.”
This investigation is still ongoing, and additional charges and arrests are anticipated. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Fields at nfields@roswellgov.com, or 770-640-4455. Anonymous information be provided through Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477 or online at www.StopCrimeATL.org.