A year-long investigation across several Virginia counties led authorities to uncover a web of drugs, cash, and prostitution that stretched farther than many expected. What started as separate cases slowly connected, pulling in state police, local prosecutors and businesses in Roanoke.
Floyd Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric Branscom said the inquiry grew as agencies compared notes and followed money trails. He described it as a coordinated effort to stop activity that harms communities, saying the goal is to hold people accountable and protect those caught in the middle.
Year-Long Investigation Spans Multiple Virginia Counties
Investigators say the case stretched across Roanoke, Floyd and Rockbridge Counties, linking separate complaints into one larger picture. Troopers compared reports, tracked phone numbers and followed financial records, slowly realizing the same names and locations kept appearing indifferent files across the region.
Floyd Commonwealth’s Attorney Eric Branscom said agencies had to share information to see the full scope. “This was not isolated to one town,” he said, explaining that tips from several communities helped investigators connect drug activity and prostitution to the same network.
Authorities say the inquiry lasted about a year and involved surveillance, interviews and court orders. They report more than 50 women were tied to the ring, and racketeering charges alleging over 10,000 dollars connected to each participant in the operation.
Roanoke Business Linked to Prostitution Operation
Investigators say a Roanoke storefront called Amanda’s Touch became a focal point as detectives traced where meetings and payments happened. The business sat on Peter’s Creek Road, and officials believe it was used to arrange encounters that looked ordinary from outside.
Officials also pointed to activity in Rockbridge County tied to the same group. Branscom told reporters the locations were chosen to stay mobile and avoid attention, saying the pattern showed planning rather than chance and required careful police work to document.
During a recent hearing, Jose Jorge Sanchez asked to return home to Roanoke, but a judge kept him in custody. Prosecutors noted prior weapons charges and court-appearance issues, and said profits were funneled into real estate while some women faced threats.
Arrests, Charges, and Court Decisions
Following the raids, authorities announced several arrests tied to prostitution, drug distribution and financial crimes. Court records show suspects face racketeering counts that group many acts into one case, which prosecutors say helps juries see the full picture of how networks operate.
Prosecutors told the court that organizing these cases takes time because evidence comes from phones, bank trails and witness statements. One official noted the goal is simple: to present clear facts so judges and juries can make careful decisions in court.
Judges now weigh bond requests, prior records and community safety when deciding who stays in custody. Hearings are expected to continue as lawyers argue details, and families on all sides watch closely, knowing outcomes can change lives in very real ways.
Endnote
Cases like this often spark debate about how communities should respond when crime crosses county lines. Some residents call for tougher enforcement, while others focus on support for vulnerable people. One local official said protecting victims must stay at the center of every decision.
Legal steps now move forward in courtrooms where judges review evidence and hear arguments from both sides. Community members watch closely, hoping for clear answers. Many expect more updates as investigators sort records, follow leads, and decide whether additional charges will appear.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, reach out to Avenues Recovery Center. With 17 beautiful addiction treatment centers across 7 states, recovery has never been closer to home.
You can find your way home today!