Cleveland rapper accused of branding victims in human trafficking ring

CLEVELAND, Ohio — Authorities are searching for Cleveland rap performer accused of operating a human trafficking ring in which he branded his female victims.

Dawud Sami, 42, who was born Thomas Bradford and is also known as “Officially GP” (“Officially Got Paper”), was indicted on Dec. 7 on two counts of trafficking in persons, two counts of compelling prostitution and two counts of promoting prostitution, according to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court records.

According to the Ohio Attorney General's Office, women who say they were Sami's victims told investigators with the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force that he was operating a human trafficking ring and advertising sex for sale online. The women reportedly told investigators that he branded victims with “Red Karpet” tattoos.

Investigators say Sami also bought multiple luxury cars and a home using his victims' identities.

“The task force uncovered credible, serious allegations that this trafficker must answer for,” Attorney General Dave Yost said in a statement. “We're hoping the public has information on his location so this investigation can bring his victims justice.”

Sami is a rapper and music producer who owns a business called Red Karpet Entertainment on East 185th Street in Cleveland, authorities say. His whereabouts are unknown.

Anyone with information can contact the Northeast Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force at 216-443-6085 or submit tips through Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County at [email protected].

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