STROUDSBURG — Charged in a human trafficking case, a man is awaiting trial while a woman is awaiting sentencing.
The case stems from a July undercover sting led by Monroe County District Attorney's Office detectives at a Smithfield Township hotel. Eight men and two women were arrested.
Malik Edwards, 39, of Tobyhanna, is awaiting trial on charges of human trafficking, involuntary servitude, promoting prostitution and conspiracy to these crimes. Charged originally with the same offenses, Tarkira Bell, 21, of Scranton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to promote prostitution and is awaiting sentencing.
Charged originally with promoting prostitution and other offenses, Rachel Szlasa, 35, of East Stroudsburg, pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and was sentenced in December to a year of probation.
A charge of patronizing a prostitute was dismissed against each of the following seven defendants, who were instead cited and fined for disorderly conduct:
* Matthew Beers of Saylorsburg.
* Jesse Day of Milford.
* David Hubler of Elmhurst Township.
* Aldo Mancilla of Nazareth.
* Menachem Moscovitz of Las Vegas, Nev.
* Branden Russell of Kunkletown.
* Dragan Trajanov of Willowbrook, Ill.