Two arrested in Lake Charles in human trafficking case

LAKE CHARLES, LA (KPLC) - Two suspects have been arrested in a human trafficking case following an investigation into reports of a missing 19-year-old female from Huntsville, Ala., who was thought to have been in the Lake Charles area.

Authorities said the alleged victim was located safely.

Arrested were 33-year-old Ivory Charles Pantallion III, of Beaumont, Texas, and 24-year-old Jessica Lynne Morgan, of Shelbyville, Tenn.

Pantallion was charged with human trafficking and simple kidnapping. Bond was set at $1 million. Morgan was charged with human trafficking and simple kidnapping. Bond was set at $500,000.

According to a news release from the Lake Charles Police Department, authorities were advised of the situation on Sunday. They spoke with the victim's mother, who alleged that her daughter had been missing since Sept. 20.

Authorities said according to the victim's mother, her daughter was being held against her will in Lake Charles and was being threatened with her and her family's lives.

Officers verified that a missing person's report was filed with the Huntsville Police Department.

Authorities said during the course of the investigation, it was learned that the victim had willingly gone with the suspects, but once they arrived in Beaumont, Texas, the victim's phone was taken away from her, and she was given a prepaid cell phone.

"The victim was shown a website advertising her as an escort and was told she would provide escort services for men. After one night in Beaumont, Texas, the victim and both suspects traveled to Lake Charles, La. Once in Lake Charles, the suspects established another personal web page advertising the victim as an escort in the Lake Charles area," the release states.

Authorities said the victim contacted her mother and advised her of the situation. Her mother worked with the LCPD to locate the victim safely. The victim was released to her parents.

The suspects were located in a local hotel, where they were arrested.

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