Teen Rescued From Suspected Sex Trafficking In Bellevue

BELLEVUE, WA — Bellevue vice detectives have arrested two men on suspicion of commercial sex abuse after a 16-year-old girl reached out to a local group for help, police announced Wednesday. The police department said the girl's rescue marked the fifth minor recovered from suspected sex trafficking in just six weeks.

In a news release, Bellevue police identified Michael Ulrich, 37, of Mountlake Terrace, and Quentin Hamilton, 50, of Seattle as the two suspects recently arrested at a Bellevue motel. Investigators said the teen victim told investigators both men forced her into prostitution and made her consume drugs.

According to investigators, the teen contacted "Jesus Loves the Track," which helps connect victims of human trafficking with food, shelter and other supplies. With the group's help, officers found the teen hiding outside the hotel and called for medical attention.

Police said one man was arrested as he got into a nearby vehicle, and another captured as he attempted to escape by scaling down the side of the hotel.

After a judge granted a search warrant, detectives reported a large cache of drugs inside the hotel room, including methamphetamine and heroin, along with at least 300 pounds of copper wire and identity theft materials.

Police said Ulrich and Hamilton both face charges related to commercial sexual abuse of a minor, violations of the uniform controlled substances act and identity theft.

Anyone who is or knows of a potential victim of human trafficking is encouraged to contact Bellevue vice detectives via e-mail, or by calling 911 if there's an immediate danger.