Baldwin County, Ala. - (OBA) - On January 25, 2023, deputies assigned to the Special Operations Unit conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 10 near the Florida state line. That traffic stop uncovered a human trafficking operation and resulted in the arrest of two individuals.

The vehicle was stopped for a lane violation and during the initial investigation three individuals were identified in the vehicle. Benjamin M. Sapp (20), of Sacramento, California, was identified as the driver. Sapp had an active warrant for prostitution related charges out of Harris County, Texas and he was arrested for that warrant. While making this arrest, deputies noticed the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Marijuana and approximately $15,000 United States currency were seized from vehicle.

There were two female passengers in the vehicle. Breanna Chanthanam (20) of Sacramento, California, and an18-year-old female. Through interviews and other evidence located in the vehicle, deputies determined that both women were operating as prostitutes.

The 18-year-old female had visible bruising and lacerations on her face as well as a broken collar bone. Deputies determined that both Sapp and Chanthanam had recruited, were transporting, and profiting from the juvenile’s servitude and she was a victim of human trafficking.

Benjamin M. Sapp and Breanna M. Chanthanam were both arrested for Human Trafficking in the Second Degree and Possession of Marijuana in the Second Degree.

Human trafficking is a national and international issue, and the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office is committed to doing our part to end this horrible crime. We are working with the Homeland Security Investigations and other federal partners with this case. The victim has been provided resources such as counseling, she is being treated for any health issues and she has been relocated.