Newark – The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Major Crimes Unit, Governor’s Task Force (GTF), and officers from Probation and Parole have arrested 37-year-old Jameel A. Muhammad of Newark, for human trafficking, stemming from a month-long drug investigation, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said beginning in early April 2019, GTF detectives obtained information identifying Muhammad, as a subject who was allegedly engaging in drug dealing. On April 10, 2019, at approximately 12:30 a.m., detectives conducted a search of a room at the Red Roof Inn, located at 415 Stanton-Christiana Rd., in Newark, which was occupied by Muhammad. The search resulted in the recovery of approximately 11.25 grams of cocaine, 7.55 grams of marijuana, 0.91 grams of heroin, $3,164.00 in suspected drug proceeds and assorted drug paraphernalia, said Austin.
Muhammad was subsequently charged with Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance in a Tier 2 Quantity, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription (2 counts), and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 and released after posting $14,000.00 secured bail.
In the days after Muhammad’s release detectives obtained further information indicating that he was still engaging in illegal drug sales, said Austin. On Thursday, May 2, 2019, at approximately 2:00 a.m., detectives performed a traffic stop on a vehicle which Muhammad was operating, at the Delaware House Service Plaza, located at 530 JFK Memorial Highway (I-95), in Newark. A search of the vehicle resulted in the recovery of 0.35 grams of cocaine, 3.26 grams of methamphetamine and $1,865.00 in suspected drug proceeds. Muhammad was taken into custody without incident and transported to Troop 2 for further investigation.
As the investigation proceeded, detective’s came in to contact with two adult females who were identified as having an association with Muhammad. Further investigation confirmed that the two female subjects were victims of human trafficking and had been forced to work as prostitutes at motels throughout New Castle County, turning over all their profits to Muhammad, in exchange for drugs, food, and basic necessities, according to Austin. If they refused to turn over their money Muhammad would physically assault them, added Austin.
In addition to the drug charges Muhammad was also charged with 4 counts each of Trafficking an Individual and Human Trafficking (Sexual Servitude). He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #11 and committed to the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution in lieu of $411,000.00 secured bail.
Anyone with further information regarding Muhammad or suspected human trafficking activities are asked to contact Detective A. Lloyd of the Troop 2 Major Crimes Unit by calling 302-365-8411.
