VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A two-day human trafficking operation in Virginia Beach has led to four arrests and the seizure of drugs, weapons, and cash, as part of a broader effort to disrupt trafficking networks and support victims.
The operation, held on January 30 and 31, was led by the Virginia Beach Police Department’s Special Investigations Bureau (SIB), with help from the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS), Virginia State Police, and the Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force (HRHTTF).
Police say the operation focused on both sides of the trafficking equation: offering aid to victims while targeting traffickers and buyers. Several victims were identified and offered services. Investigators are still following leads uncovered during the operation.
Arrests Made
Four individuals were arrested on charges ranging from drug distribution to recruiting minors for prostitution:
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Steven C. Gray (43, Virginia Beach)
Charges: Possession with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, pandering, aiding prostitution, using a vehicle to promote prostitution, possession of a firearm while distributing controlled substances (4 felonies, 2 misdemeanors) -
Marvin L. Boomer (67, Portsmouth)
Charges: Use of communication devices to commit crimes against children, recruiting a minor for prostitution, and soliciting prostitution from a minor (3 felonies) -
Autumn D. Reffett (27, North Carolina)
Charges: Prostitution -
Jessica F. Martino (32, Williamsburg)
Charges: Prostitution
What Was Seized
Officers seized a range of items during the bust, including:
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21 grams of cocaine
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21 grams of crack cocaine
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A Beretta .40-caliber handgun
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Drug manufacturing supplies
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Ammunition, gun cleaning equipment
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Four cellphones
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$572 in cash
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Narcotics paraphernalia
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One vehicle
Ongoing Work to Fight Human Trafficking
VBPD’s SIB is part of the Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force and the regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The HRHTTF continues to investigate trafficking cases and provide services to victims, while raising public awareness about sex and labor trafficking in the region.