CABARRUS COUNTY, N.C. — Three people have been arrested in connection to a human sex trafficking investigation in the Concord Mills area, according to the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO).
The agency announced Erica R. Cheeks, 34, Walter Ardrey, 40, and Keith Henderson, 32, are all facing serval charges after detectives were able to find a 15-year-old girl connected to the case.
All three are residents of Charlotte, according to the sheriff's office.
Deputies say the office's VICE/Narcotics Unit, along with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted an operation for sex trafficking in the county starting Jan. 25.
Detectives say they utilized an escort service website that was attempting to identify underage victims of trafficking. They were able to find the teenager in the company of the suspects.
Cheeks was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 2, in Charlotte with the help of local authorities. She remains in the Cabarrus County Detention Center under a $750,000 bond. Deputies say additional charges are also pending.
Ardrey was arrested on Jan. 25 and charged with human trafficking, promoting prostitution of a minor and misdemeanor flee and elude. He was taken to the Cabarrus County Detention Center with a $750,000 secured bond. Deputies say he has a criminal history that includes assault with a deadly weapon on a government official.
Henderson was also arrested on Jan. 25 and charged with human trafficking and promoting prostitutions of a minor. He also was taken to the county detention center with a $750,000 bond. Deputies say they discovered Henderson was on post-release supervision for violent crimes after a conviction in a neighboring state.
CCSO says the investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the suspects can call the sheriff's office at (704) 920-3000. People can also provide anonymous tips by contacting Crime Stoppers online or by calling (704) 93CRIME.
All three are still awaiting trial as of Thursday, Feb. 10.
Note: WCNC instituted a new policy in March 2021 regarding the broadcast or posting of mugshots.
WCNC will only air or post a mugshot if the person has been formally charged with a crime and in a few other cases. The exceptions include: If it appears the person could be a danger to themselves or others or if they are wanted by authorities; to differentiate between people with a common name; if the photos could encourage more victims to come forward. The news-editorial leadership may also decide to use a mugshot based on the severity of the crime(s) committed and/or the level of public interest in the crime and ensuing criminal proceedings.
WCNC Charlotte is choosing to show the mugshots of the suspects in this case because authorities are still searching for information regarding the three suspects.