Oklahoma Bureau Of Narcotics Busts Human Trafficker Already Behind Bars

An Oklahoma man has been busted for running a human trafficking ring from behind bars.

Porter Meadows was served with a warrant on charges of human trafficking and the use of a computer to violate state statutes.

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics says a large amount of their criminal network is being run from behind bars, saying they work closely with the Department of Corrections to bust the ring leaders like Meadows.

“We developed information back in early July that an inmate that was being held in an Oklahoma Department of Corrections facility is possibly a human trafficker,” said Mark Woodward, PIO for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

That Investigation led the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics to Porter Meadows.

Mark Woodward with OBN says Meadows was incarcerated at a DOC facility in Vinita, serving time for narcotics, weapons, and stolen property charges.

“He would communicate with people on the outside who would continue to run his sex trafficking operation while he's behind bars,” said Meadows.

Woodward says that, unfortunately, they’re seeing communication through the prison walls through contraband cell phones, video visits, or other methods.

“He would have his associates posting ads on commercial sex websites, arranging dates and locations for people who answered those ads to meet up with some of these sex trafficking victims,” said Woodward.

Woodward says some of those victims have come forward.

“We are grateful that some of these victims were comfortable speaking with us, and that helped us build a stronger case that ultimately led to new charges being presented against meadows,” said Woodward.

As the investigation continues, more arrests are expected. 

“All those associates will eventually be charged; they are subjects of this ongoing case for facilitating his activity,” said Woodward.

We reached out to the DOC spokesperson for an interview and did not receive a response.

“This is an example of DOC and OBN working together to make a difference for victims who are gaining courage to speak out against their assailants when they realize they are not alone.” ---OBN Director Anderson.

Citizens and victims can anonymously report suspected Human Trafficking via the OBN Human Trafficking Tip Line at 855-617-2288 or send OBN a Facebook DM.