Human Trafficking Ring Leader Preyed on Woman with Addiction Problems in Maryland; Trafficked Several Victims; Now Faces 135 Charges
Kenika Danielle Leach, a 33-year-old Baltimore resident, has been indicted by Attorney General Anthony G. Brown on 135 counts related to operating a human trafficking ring. An indictment has been issued by a Washington County grand jury following a thorough two-year investigation conducted by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit.
Leach is facing serious allegations of trafficking multiple women from Hagerstown to different hotels in Maryland, where they were reportedly forced to engage in illegal activities. She is facing serious charges, including leading a criminal organization and participating in a plot to engage in human trafficking through force, threats, coercion, or fraud.
In December 2021, Baltimore Police were notified by hospital staff about a patient who had been trafficked by Leach, initiating the investigation. A victim was allegedly transported from Hagerstown to the Baltimore area for the purpose of engaging in commercial activities. It is claimed that Leach benefited from this and provided the victim with drugs as compensation.
A multi-agency investigation was conducted, with the involvement of Homeland Security Investigations and Maryland State Police. The investigation heavily relied on evidence obtained from cell phones, social media, and financial records. Investigators have discovered that Leach took advantage of the victims’ drug addictions, manipulating their access to drugs in order to force them into human trafficking. Leach would often receive payments through the Cash App as a result.
Leach allegedly employed physical violence and intimidation as a means of exerting control over the victims. This included instructing them to “get on the wall” to administer beatings while avoiding any visible harm.
Leach has a court appearance coming up on June 24, 2024, at the Washington County Circuit Court. Attorney General Brown highlighted the significant impact on the victims, emphasizing his dedication to prosecuting these crimes to ensure community safety and support victim recovery.
