UPDATE: A missing 17-year-old girl, known in court records as Jane Doe, has been rescued from a suspected sex trafficking situation in Oakland. Authorities confirmed that Doe was missing for approximately six weeks when her images surfaced on a sex trafficking website.
On November 13, 2023, Oakland police launched an undercover operation following leads from the online advertisement. The investigator posed as a potential buyer and arranged to meet Doe at a hotel located on the 1800 block of Embarcadero in Oakland, court records reveal.
When Doe arrived at the location, she was accompanied by Melvin Williams, a 31-year-old man who is now facing serious charges. Authorities allege Williams was trafficking Doe based on a significant amount of electronic evidence, including over 1,500 text messages exchanged between him and the girl.
In an alarming twist, Williams saved himself in Doe’s phone under the name “Daddy.” He had arranged to provide her with condoms and was found in possession of a photo on her phone showing him in a white Tesla, flashing large amounts of cash. One chilling text revealed Doe asking for permission to use the restroom, indicating a disturbing level of control.
Williams has been charged with three felonies: human trafficking, pandering, and soliciting a minor into prostitution. Despite his arrest on November 13, he was released from jail and has not been re-arrested as of now. The charges against him were officially filed on November 25. His previous criminal record includes three convictions from Los Angeles County, but his current residence remains undisclosed.
This case highlights the urgent issue of youth trafficking and the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat these crimes. As the community grapples with this disturbing incident, authorities are working diligently to ensure the safety of other potential victims.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The impact of this case serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance against human trafficking.
