BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Two city residents were charged in a human trafficking investigation following a multi-agency law enforcement operation at Wind Creek Casino, officials said Friday.
Robert Birch, 52, and Cittdata Jarnagin, 50, also known as “Kitty,” were taken into custody Thursday, according to court documents.
The arrests came nearly four months after authorities conducted a sex trafficking and prostitution sting, according to Northampton County District Attorney Stephen Baratta.
The operation was in coordination with the City of Bethlehem Police Department, Northampton County Drug Task Force, FBI, state police and several other law enforcement agencies, a release from Baratta's office said.
The release says an undercover officer used websites commonly linked to prostitution and sex trafficking, including SkipTheGames.com, to arrange a meeting with a woman advertised in the Lehigh Valley.
At the meeting point at Wind Creek Casino Hotel, officers observed a female being dropped off in the parking lot and a male, later identified as Birch, driving away.
Police conducted a traffic stop, found drug paraphernalia in Birch's vehicle, and took him into custody.
Further investigation revealed multiple victims of human trafficking who identified Jarnagin as the organizer behind the operation, the release said.
Authorities say she acted as a “madame,” managing online advertisements and transporting the women for medical treatment.
Birch, identified as the “pimp,” allegedly controlled the women and profited from their sex acts.
Birch and Jarnagin are both charged with corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, involuntary servitude-sexual servitude, and trafficking in individuals.
Birch also faces an additional charge of possession of drug paraphernalia, while Jarnagin is charged with prostitution and theft by deception-false impression.
According to court records, Jarnagin was arraigned early Friday, was unable to post $200,000 cash bail and was committed to Northampton County Prison.
Birch was arraigned late Friday morning, was unable to post $50,000 bail and also was committed to Northampton County Prison.
