A 32-year-old Washington state man, Cedric Dorsey II, has been sentenced to 35 years in state prison after being convicted of human trafficking, promoting prostitution, and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The charges stem from his role in trafficking a woman for sex and physically abusing her to maintain control, while also bragging about his criminal activities on social media.
The Shocking Discovery and Investigation
The case began on April 8, 2024, when police responded to a domestic violence call in Bellevue, Washington, a city in the Seattle metro area. A victim, whose identity has not been disclosed, managed to escape the apartment with the help of construction workers.
Upon arrival, officers noted signs of human trafficking and began an investigation. The victim later confirmed she had been trafficked by Dorsey and had been forced into prostitution in various cities, including Las Vegas.
The victim reported that Dorsey controlled every aspect of her trafficking, from booking hotel rooms to posting online ads for her services. He even required her to obtain a deposit from clients to ensure they were not law enforcement.
As the victim revealed, Dorsey not only manipulated her emotionally but also used physical violence to maintain control. She described being beaten and stomped on the face, resulting in her hospitalization.
Dorsey’s Social Media Boasts
Throughout the period of trafficking, Dorsey used social media to flaunt his ill-gotten gains. In one post, he boasted, “I’m so pimpish,” while posing with a long gun. Police used Dorsey’s social media posts to aid in their investigation, allowing them to connect him to the crime.
“If you advertise it and make it available for us to use in our investigation, that’s what we’ll do,” said Bellevue Police Department Major Ellen Inman.
Arrest and Evidence Seized
Dorsey’s prior criminal history led law enforcement to use a SWAT team to arrest him on May 2, 2024. He initially refused to surrender but later agreed to turn himself in after his mother was involved in the process. Upon executing a search warrant at Dorsey’s apartment, officers recovered $12,000 in cash and three firearms.
A Strong Collaborative Effort
The case has been hailed as a prime example of how effective teamwork between local police and human trafficking units can combat such horrific crimes.
Bellevue Assistant Chief of Police Andrew Popochock praised the work of the officers, noting, “This collaborative operation was truly a textbook example on how to hold an individual accountable for conducting a horrible sex crime on another person.”
Dorsey’s 35-year sentence reflects the severity of his crimes, including the abuse and exploitation of the victim. His conviction highlights the growing efforts to combat sex trafficking and the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to address such issues.
The victim, who suffered immensely, has now been freed from Dorsey’s grip, and his long prison sentence ensures he will no longer harm others.
