Knoxville man faces human trafficking charges

(WBIR - Knoxville) The Knox County Sheriff's Office said its arrested a Knoxville man for human trafficking. According to KCSO's website, Marcus Douglas Washington, 36, was originally arrested on drug charges and promoting prostitution along with Kristina Cohen, 26. According to KCSO, detectives got a human trafficking warrant for Washington on Friday morning.

KCSO said Washington was arrested during an investigation into online escort services.An undercover detective called a number listed on a website and set up an appointment to meet with Cohen at The Red Roof Inn on Advantage Place on Wednesday. 

According to KCSO, a detective met with Cohen and made a verbal contract for sexual favors for one hour for $160. Cohen was then taken into custody and told authorities Washington set up the appointment and advertised her on the website.

Authorities located Washington in Cohen's car in the motel's parking lot. Detectives found $630 in cash, 2 cell phones, and a prescription bottle for oxycodone which had been filled for 90 pills the day prior but only contained 39 pills. They also found two crack rocks and half an oxycodone pill in his shorts pocket.

According to warrants, Cohen had bruises and had suffered previous severe injuries from Washington. She also said he had threatened her and her family.

Washington has an extensive criminal history and is being held in the Knox County Detention Facility on $64,000 bond.

Authorities charged Cohen with promoting prostitution. KCSO said she was also wanted in Roane County for violation of probation on a theft charge.