Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today the sentencing of Kenika Danielle Leach, 33, of Baltimore, Maryland, following a multi-agency investigation led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Unit. The investigation, which began in December 2021, concluded with Leach’s sentencing on February 26, 2025, by the Honorable Brett R. Wilson of the Circuit Court for Washington County.
Leach pleaded guilty on November 18, 2024, to charges including conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, distribution of a controlled dangerous substance (cocaine), and receiving the earnings of a prostitute. Following her plea, Judge Wilson sentenced Leach to 40 years of incarceration, with all but 15 years suspended, and five years of supervised probation. Additionally, a no-contact order with the victims was mandated.
The investigation was triggered when hospital personnel in Baltimore alerted local police about a patient who reported being sex trafficked by Leach from Hagerstown to the Baltimore area. Collaborative efforts among local and federal agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations and the Maryland State Police, revealed that Leach trafficked at least 10 women into hotels across Baltimore and Anne Arundel Counties for commercial sex acts.
Authorities noted that Leach maintained control over the victims through drug dependency and physical violence, demanding they repay alleged drug debts through prostitution.
In statements, Attorney General Brown emphasized the sentencing as a pivotal step toward justice for the survivors, expressing hope for their continued healing and recovery. Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley and ICE Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Michael McCarthy praised the relentless efforts of all involved in the investigation and prosecution of this case.
The successful resolution of this case highlights the effectiveness of the Blue Dot program, which trains healthcare and emergency responders to recognize signs of human trafficking and connect survivors to essential services. Attorney General Brown extended his gratitude to all law enforcement partners and prosecutors who played critical roles in dismantling this human trafficking operation and securing justice for the victims.
