Man arrested on sex trafficking charges in New River Valley

RADFORD, Va. — A Florida man remains behind bars for allegedly sex trafficking a woman in the New River Valley.

Frank Smith is charged with sex trafficking for financial gain and resisting arrest. He appeared by video in Radford General District Court today, where his lawyers withdrew his bail application.

10 News has tracked down search warrants that show a special agent with the State Police Human Trafficking Unit responded to an online complaint about illicit sex.

The agent, pretending to be a client, agreed to show up at the Super 8 by Wyndham Hotel on Tyle Ave. on Oct. 8. in Radford and pay $150.

When he got there, he found a woman in a hotel room and Smith’s cell phone. The documents show the officer determined the woman was a victim of human trafficking.

The agent also discovered that Smith would set her up with dates, solicit and receive money for her illicit sexual acts.

Justin Cowan, assistant special agent in charge of human trafficking at the VSP, said he could not comment on the specific case but said anyone could be a victim of human trafficking. He said the problem was pervasive in the Commonwealth and under-reported.

“If you look at the mobility factor that I-81 plays … they are moving what they see as a product. SWVA is rural… population centers… still attract illegal sex and work,” Cowan said.

Smith will remain incarcerated at the New River Valley Regional Jail until his next court date in December.

The court records can be found below: