Sex trafficking victim hauled across country in semi-trailer; suspect arrested in OKC

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) Human Trafficking Unit arrested a California man in a cross-country human trafficking investigation.

Agents arrested Shawn Brownlee, 52, on April 3 after an undercover OBN agent spotted red flags in an online sex advertisement and contacted the victim.

"An undercover OBN Agent located online commercial sex advertisement for a female which contained indicators suggesting the female may be a victim of human trafficking,” said OBN spokesperson Mark Woodward.

According to OBN, the woman met Brownlee in California after he responded to one of her online ads. Brownlee allegedly loaded her into the back of his semi-truck and drove her to Oklahoma, where he intended to sell her for sex.

The victim was safely recovered and is now receiving care and support through the state’s victim assistance programs.

Brownlee has been charged with Pandering and Maintaining a House of Prostitution in Oklahoma County. OBN says additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues. He is being held at the Oklahoma County Detention Center on a $50,000 bond.

With drug and human trafficking increasingly linked, the OBN established its Human Trafficking Unit to aggressively target traffickers operating in Oklahoma and rescue victims who are often hidden in plain sight.

Know the Signs of Human Trafficking

Victims are often hidden in plain sight.

Look for:

1. Not in possession of ID or legal documents, held by someone else
2. Bruises in various stages of healing
3. Accompanied by a controlling person
4. Unfamiliar with surroundings or language
5. Fearful, submissive, or anxious behavior
6. Living and working in the same place, transported by someone else
7. Signs of drug use or addiction

If you suspect someone is a victim of trafficking, or if you need help, visit OBN’s You Are Not Alone resource page.