Man accused of forcing Fort Bragg soldier into prostitution

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) – Authorities accuse a Fayetteville man of forcing a 19-year-old Fort Bragg soldier into prostitution.

The Fayetteville Observer reported that 23-year-old Jibri Thomas is accused of exploiting the soldier from August until December.

Thomas turned himself in to police Jan. 11. He faces state and federal charges related to prostitution and human trafficking.

Fort Bragg spokesman Tom McCollum says officials don’t know of any other such case at Fort Bragg.

But victim advocates say the case shows that human trafficking can affect every echelon of the community.

Court documents allege Thomas recruited and transported the soldier with the intent of holding her in “involuntary servitude” for prostitution. Police have refused to give any details on the case.

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