Human trafficking victim escapes, 2 others found in NC man’s basement

SPRING LAKE, N.C. –

A Spring Lake man faces charges related to human trafficking after a woman he kept captive in his basement escaped and alerted authorities.

Robin Triovel Applewhite, 38, of 310 Cedarwood Street in Spring Lake, was arrested and charged with human trafficking, second-degree kidnapping and sexual servitude after police said he held three women in his basement.

Early March 17, a victim escaped from the basement of Applewhite’s home and ran to one of the main gates of Fort Bragg. Military Police contacted Fayetteville police who then notified Spring Lake police of the victim’s story.

Spring Lake detectives were able obtain warrants for Applewhite’s arrest and to search his home.

At 10 a.m. Wednesday, authorities executed those warrants, arresting Applewhite and searching his home.

Two women in their early 20s were found in the basement during the search. A handgun was also recovered, police said.

An investigation revealed Applewhite locked the victims to his basement. The victim who escaped was given illegal drugs and forced to perform sex acts for money in hotels in Charlotte and Raleigh, police said.

Applewhite is being held at the Cumberland County Detention Center under $250,000 bond.