Alabama deputies rescue teen human trafficking victim suffering broken collar bone; 2 arrested

Two California residents were arrested and booked into the Baldwin County Jail on charges of human trafficking.

Benjamin M. Sapp, 20, and Breanna Chanthanam, 20, both of Sacramento, California, were both arrested on Wednesday and each charged with human trafficking related to alleged profiting of an 18-year-old victim.

According to the Baldwin County Sheriff's Department, the two were arrested during a traffic stop on Interstate 10 near the Florida state line. Sapp, who was the drive, had an active warrant for prostitution-related charges in Harris County, Texas, and he was arrested for that warrant.

Two women were found inside the vehicle — the 18-year-old and Chanthanam. Through interviews and other evidence in the vehicle, deputies determined the that both women were operating as sex workers.

The 18-year-old had visible bruises, lacerations on her face, and a broken collar bone, according to authorities. She has been relocated, according to the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office, and is receiving counseling and is being treated for health issues.

Deputies determined that both Sapp and Chanthanam had recruited, transported and profited “from the juvenile's servitude” and that she was the victim of human trafficking.

Baldwin County Sheriff's Captain Andre Reid said that while Chanthanam “may be a victim also,” she was criminally complicit in the case.

Sapp and Chanthanam are being held on state charges of human trafficking in the second degree and possession of marijuana in the second degree.

Reid said the Sheriff's Department is working with the agency's federal partners, such as the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, about the potential of federal charges.

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