Human Trafficking Arrest Made After Terrace Motel Investigation

ELKRIDGE, MD — A Waldorf man has been charged with human trafficking and other offenses after an investigation at the Terrace Motel in Elkridge. Police said that a tip about suspicious activity led authorities to the motel along Route 1 in Howard County, and within two days they had made an arrest in the case.

At the Terrace Motel, investigators said they found four women from Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia who ranged in age from 20 to 28. Officers reported recognizing signs of possible human trafficking when they were called to the motel in the 6200 block of Washington Boulevard late in the evening on Wednesday, July 10.

Authorities said they took Cheek, who was also at the motel, into custody on an arrest warrant out of Virginia for fraud.

After further investigation, police said the human trafficking charges were filed Thursday, July 11.

Police said that he posted online ads with photos of the women for the purpose of prostitution and coordinated appointments, then collected payments from this activity. Investigators believe he gave the women drugs to control them, officials reported. When Cheek was arrested, police said they found a quantity of drugs with him that they said signaled distribution.

Ronald Willis Cheek, 49, of the 5000 block of Albacore Court, was charged with the following:

• Nine counts of human trafficking
• Five counts of prostitution
• Three drug charges
  • Possession with intent to distribute
  • Possession of drugs other than marijuana
  • Possession of paraphernalia

Cheek is being held without bail at the Howard County Detention Center.

Anyone with information about this case or suspected human trafficking/prostitution may call the Howard County Police Department at 410-313-STOP or HCPDcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov.