Baltimore registered sex offender accused of trafficking, recruiting and raping female minors

A registered sex offender from Baltimore City was arrested on allegations of recruiting, raping, and trafficking several female minors in and around Baltimore County, according to county police.

Miracle Elendu, 28, has been charged with solicitation of a minor, assault, prostitution, and other sexual offenses. Before these charges, Elendu was registered as a sex offender.

Investigators say these interactions with the minor victims happened between August and September. Elendu allegedly solicited, recruited, raped, and trafficked several victims.

Sex trafficking allegations

According to court documents, Baltimore County police received a tip from someone close to the victim, alleging the minor was sex trafficked. 

The informant noticed the teen was acting "weird," had a lot of money in cash or on Apple Pay, and was sneaking out of their home.

When their location was tracked, the minor was spotted at two motels, including the Comfort Inn on Loch Raven Boulevard and the Rodeway Inn on Whitehead Court.  

"We did receive information from someone close to the juvenile, and that's where our investigation started," said Det. Trae Corbin, with the Baltimore County Police Department.

One of the victims, just 16 years old, detailed several forcible acts in which she was paid for sex with Elendu. He also paid her for having sex with another man she didn't know. The victim said she met Elendu while waiting for the bus when he drove up to her in a white pick-up truck.

Another female victim, 14, was asked to have sex with Elendu, but refused. Police accused the suspect of using victims to recruit others to participate in his scheme.

Forcible sex crimes in Baltimore County

There have been 321 reported victims of forcible sexual crimes in Baltimore County this year. Baltimore County Police says there is no trend to be worried about.

TurnAround, Inc., a leading advocacy group for victims of sex crimes and trafficking, told WJZ that 30 to 45 children are reported as being trafficked each year in Baltimore County, enough to fill a classroom.

While these numbers are high for the state, there could be thousands of others that do not get reported.  

 "I don't think we are even scratching the surface with the amount of abuse that's happening in the county," said Amanda Rodriguez, CEO of TurnAround, Inc. "For me, it almost turns my stomach to think about that many kids that are going through this type of abuse."

Rodriguez says that before COVID-19, there was a higher reporting rate of sex trafficking of minors. Post-COVID, she believes fewer people were aware that this type of crime was happening.

"Is it a lot? Yes, it is a lot, if we're looking at like the state as an indicator," Rodriguez said. "I think on the other side, that means that more people are paying attention. I think it's happening much happening much more everywhere else, and people are just not identifying it yet."

Trafficking checks at hotels

When asked if there will be enforcement at the hotels, Baltimore County Police did not directly answer, but said it works closely with the business community.

Rodriguez notes that all hotel staff are required by state law to be trained on knowing the signs of trafficking. If a hotel, owner or employee does not follow the law, they can face charges.

TurnAround encourages everyone to know the signs of child sex trafficking, including depression, a child running away from home often, returning with their hair or nails done, grades falling in school, isolating themselves, and changes in their relationships with family and friends. 

It also encourages anyone to be trained on how to intervene and recognize the signs of trafficking.

The organization also warns that grooming often happens long before trafficking begins, emphasizing the importance of knowing who is in a child's life and if they are having a positive impact on them.

TurnAround, Inc. offers a crisis hotline for victims at 443-279-0379.

Due to the way he contacted his victims, investigators believe there could be more. Anyone with information is encouraged to reach out to the county's Crimes Against Children Unit at 410-887-7720.

Elendu is being held without bail at the Baltimore County Detention Center. He is due back in court in November.