Five people appeared in federal court today following a months-long investigation into a Prince William County motel accused of being a hub for fentanyl distribution and prostitution.
The case centers on the Red Carpet Inn in Dumfries, where prosecutors say illegal activity flourished under the watch—and with the alleged cooperation—of the motel’s operators.
According to court documents, Kosha Sharma (52) and her husband Tarun Sharma (55) managed the Red Carpet Inn through their business, Kosha LLC. Prosecutors allege the Sharmas took a cut of the profits made from prostitution and drug sales on the motel’s third floor.
“Drug trafficking and sex trafficking devastate communities by exploiting vulnerable individuals and fueling violence and addiction,” said Lindsey Halligan, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. “Our office is committed to dismantling criminal enterprises that profit from human suffering.”
The investigation was led by the FBI Washington Field Office, in partnership with the Prince William County Police and Virginia State Police. Over a seven-month period, undercover officers reportedly conducted nine prostitution encounters and 15 controlled drug buys at the motel—11 involving fentanyl, four involving cocaine.
One of the individuals allegedly responsible for those drug sales is Margo Waldon Pierce, 51, also known as “Marko.” Authorities say she was the supplier in all 15 transactions.
Also arrested were Joshua Roderick (40), known as “Josh,” and Rashard Perrish Smith (33), known by aliases “Sean,” “Shawn,” “B,” “B-more,” and “Baltimore.” All five are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl.
If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison.
“The FBI will continue to collaborate with federal and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug and sex trafficking rings and bring traffickers to justice,” said Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Criminal Division in Washington.
The next court appearances for the defendants have not yet been scheduled.