CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WSAZ) – ”I think overall the community, with somebody like him behind bars, it’s a much better day for them,” Deputy U.S. Marshal Derrick Williams said.
After more than five months of searching for Tiwan Bailey, U.S. Marshal’s arrested him in Lexington, Kentucky, on Friday for federal charges related to sex trafficking, involving four victims, one of whom was a child.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Derrick Williams said they began looking for Bailey in Rand and Charleston.
“I’ll give Mister Bailey credit, he was pretty decent at evading law enforcement for a while, but it just, it only prolongs the inevitable,” Williams said.
Bailey was wanted beginning in July of last year. Kanawha County Sheriff Joe Crawford said their relationship with other agencies has never been stronger after a successful arrest.
“I promise you that we’re not gonna stop until we get you and at the end of the day, we’ll let the justice system carry out and work the way it’s supposed to,” Sheriff Crawford said.
U.S. Attorney Will Thompson said tracking down Bailey took plenty of time and resources.
“He definitely did not want captured, and I think he was, got to be careful because there might be other charges coming as a result of this, but normally it doesn’t take five to six months to find someone unless they’re doing something to evade the capture or they have a lot of help,” Thompson said.
“He’s dedicated his life to, you know, being a better criminal rather than you know using his intelligence for good purposes,” Williams said.
Thompson said the indictment alleges the incident with a minor began in Dec. 2023, and may have involved multiple people.
If convicted, Bailey faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in prison. Thompson said Bailey will appear in court later this week or early next week.
For previous coverage >>> US Attorney announces arrest of sex trafficking fugitive
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