A harrowing case of human trafficking came to light Tuesday afternoon when a 31-year-old woman bravely sought help at the Grovetown Police Department, revealing a months-long ordeal of captivity and exploitation.
According to Chief Jamey Kitchens of the Grovetown Police Department, the victim, whose identity is protected, entered the police department’s lobby at approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday in a frantic state. She disclosed that she had been held against her will for several months and forced into prostitution across multiple cities in Georgia. Her captivity allegedly culminated in Grovetown at a residence located on 4446 Grove Landing Way.
The victim recounted her traumatic journey, stating that 36-year-old Joe Lewis Hills Jr. had abducted her from Macon, subsequently transporting her to Savannah before bringing her to Grovetown. Throughout her captivity in Grovetown, she endured severe physical abuse, including incidents where Hills allegedly choked her into unconsciousness. She was coerced under threat of harm to continue working as a prostitute, both within the residence and beyond.
“The victim stated that [on Tuesday], she advised Mr. Hills that she had a ‘John’ to go to meet and then summoned a ride sharing service. Once the ride picked her up, she directed them to bring her to the Grovetown Police Department,” Chief Kitchens said.
Law enforcement officials corroborated her account using license plate reader technology, confirming her movements with Hills from Macon to Savannah and finally to Grovetown.
Upon receiving the victim’s report, investigators swiftly mobilized, contacting the local FBI field office specializing in human trafficking. An agent dispatched to assist in the case validated the victim’s claims, identifying this incident as part of a broader human trafficking network spanning the state.
During the victim’s interview with investigators, Hills persistently attempted to contact her over the phone, further substantiating her allegations. Law enforcement officers initiated surveillance on the Grove Landing residence, leading to Hills’ arrest without incident at approximately 5:54 p.m. Tuesday when he exited the premises. A subsequent search warrant executed on the residence uncovered substantial evidence supporting the victim’s statements, including narcotics such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, along with two firearms.
Further scrutiny of Hills’ background revealed a prior federal conviction for bank robbery, currently under probationary terms. He was detained and transported to the Columbia County Detention Center, facing multiple charges including trafficking of persons for sexual servitude, possession of narcotics, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon.
The Grovetown Police Department expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office during the operation and urged anyone with pertinent information on human trafficking or related cases to come forward.
Chief Kitchens emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, with additional charges and arrests anticipated as other individuals potentially involved in the trafficking operation are identified. Citizens are encouraged to contact the Grovetown Police Department at 706-863-1212 with any relevant information.
For the victim, she has been transported to a local hospital for examination and support services, beginning her journey towards recovery from this traumatic experience.
The Grovetown community and law enforcement agencies continue to unite against human trafficking, aiming to bring justice to victims and dismantle criminal networks that perpetrate such heinous crimes.
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