A Washington state man, Cedric Dorsey II, has been sentenced to 35 years in prison after being convicted on multiple charges, including human trafficking in the second degree, promoting prostitution in the first degree, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Dorsey, 32, had previously boasted about his illicit activities on social media, which ultimately played a role in his arrest and conviction.
The Case and Investigation
The investigation into Dorsey’s activities began with a domestic violence call in Bellevue, Washington, on April 8, 2024. Police responded to the call and discovered signs of human trafficking, which were later confirmed by the victim. The woman, whose identity has not been released, was able to escape from the apartment with the help of construction workers. Following her escape, law enforcement launched a full investigation into Dorsey’s activities.
Authorities soon found that Dorsey had been involved in trafficking the victim for sex across various states, including Las Vegas. The victim told investigators that Dorsey had booked hotel rooms for her and posted online ads promoting her services. She described how Dorsey controlled nearly every aspect of her life, including requiring her to take deposits from sex buyers to ensure they were not law enforcement officers. She also revealed that Dorsey had physically abused her, including stomping on her face, which resulted in her hospitalization.
Social Media Evidence
Dorsey’s social media presence played a significant role in the investigation. Before his arrest, he had posted images of himself with a long gun and openly boasted about his lifestyle. In one post, Dorsey claimed, “I’m so pimpish,” showcasing his confidence in his illegal activities. Bellevue Police Major Ellen Inman pointed out that social media is often used to advertise criminal behavior, and in this case, Dorsey’s posts were used as valuable evidence in his investigation.
“I am happy to take what they post and include it in the scope of our investigation,” Inman said, referring to how police utilized Dorsey’s own social media to build their case.
Arrest and Conviction
Dorsey’s arrest came after a months-long investigation. Authorities executed a search warrant at his apartment on May 2, 2024, where they found $12,000 in cash and three firearms. A SWAT team was initially called in due to Dorsey’s criminal history, but he ultimately surrendered after involving his mother in the process.
Dorsey was convicted on multiple charges related to sex trafficking and illegal firearms possession. During his trial, the victim’s testimony helped to illustrate the extent of his control and abuse. She recounted how Dorsey physically and mentally manipulated her, while also documenting his criminal earnings on his social media accounts under the name “CCC Cash Chasen Ced.”
A Victim’s Story and Justice Served
The victim’s testimony painted a harrowing picture of her abuse at Dorsey’s hands. She explained that Dorsey not only trafficked her for sex in several cities but also used violence to maintain control over her. Despite the horrors she faced, she managed to escape and cooperate with authorities, bringing Dorsey’s crimes to light.
Bellevue Assistant Chief of Police Andrew Popochock praised the efforts of his department in handling the case, calling it a “textbook example” of how a collaborative approach can successfully hold perpetrators accountable for sex trafficking. “Sex trafficking is a crime,” he said, emphasizing the importance of prosecuting those who exploit others for personal gain.
Cedric Dorsey’s 35-year sentence serves as a reminder of the severe consequences for those involved in human trafficking and other exploitative criminal activities. His conviction highlights the role of social media in modern criminal investigations and the power of victims’ voices in the fight against abuse. This case also underscores the critical need for continued efforts to combat sex trafficking and support survivors in their pursuit of justice.
