RICHMOND, Va. -- A prostitution investigation led police to an alleged sex trafficker who lives in South Richmond.
Now, 40-year-old Jerry Payton faces 10 counts of sex trafficking, with allegations that he attempted to use underage children for sex trafficking.
Investigators said Payton was on their radar, and was involved in alleged prostitution using underage children.
Through their investigation police found probable cause to obtain 10 felony charges of sex trafficking with the intent to receive money.
Neighbors in his Chippenham Town Homes, in the South Richmond community, declined to go on camera, but said it's shocking to hear this news. Neighbors said they saw women frequently come and go from Payton’s home.
They said he had lived there for about a year, and mostly kept to himself.
They are anxious to find out if police think any sex trafficking happened in their community. One neighbor, with a young son, said he was flabbergasted and fearful of where Payton may have found underage children involved in the alleged sex trafficking ring.
The busts occurred in Henrico, but so far police have not given specific locations.
Court documents indicate the alleged trafficking happened in Henrico between January 9 2016, and March 16.
On court documents, Payton is listed as disabled and unemployed.
