Five individuals, including an Indian-origin couple, have been charged by US federal authorities for allegedly running an organised sex and drug trafficking operation out of a motel in northern Virginia. The arrests followed a coordinated raid carried out by the FBI in partnership with local and state law enforcement agencies, officials said.
According to the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia, the alleged illegal activities were centred around the Red Carpet Inn in Dumfries, Virginia. The motel was reportedly operated under a lease by Kosha Sharma, 52, and her husband Tarun Sharma, 55, who are accused of knowingly allowing prostitution and drug trafficking to take place on the premises while profiting from it. Three other individuals — Margo Waldon Pierce, Joshua Roderick and Rashard Perrish Smith — were also arrested for their alleged involvement in the operation.
Federal prosecutors claim that since May 2023, the Sharmas, operating through their company Kosha LLC, controlled the motel and facilitated criminal activities, particularly on the third floor of the property. Investigators allege that the couple took a share of the earnings generated through prostitution and narcotics sales conducted at the motel.
Between May and December last year, law enforcement agencies carried out a detailed undercover investigation at the property. During this period, officials conducted multiple controlled operations, including nine encounters related to prostitution and 15 controlled drug purchases. These drug transactions allegedly involved fentanyl and cocaine, with authorities stating that Pierce was responsible for distributing narcotics during all of the controlled buys.
As part of the undercover operation, FBI agents and local police officers reportedly posed as clients, prostitutes and intermediaries while making repeated visits to the motel. Court documents cited by investigators indicate that several women were trafficked through the property, charged between $80 and $150 per encounter, and were not free to leave. Some witnesses also alleged that physical abuse was used to control the victims.
Smith is alleged to have played a key role in managing the trafficking activities, with investigators claiming he rented out multiple motel rooms for prostitution and supplied drugs to those involved. Witnesses told police that Smith often provided large quantities of pills and financially supported individuals engaged in the illegal activities.
Authorities further allege that Kosha Sharma actively managed the operation by separating regular motel guests from those involved in illegal activities. Law-abiding customers were allegedly placed on lower floors, while individuals seeking drugs or prostitution were directed to the third floor. She is also accused of warning occupants when police were nearby and obstructing officers during checks.
The arrests were made during an early-morning raid on January 15, conducted jointly by the FBI, Prince William County Police Department and the Virginia State Police. All five suspects were taken into custody at the scene, and the motel was shut down following the operation.
The accused have been charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including 400 grams or more of fentanyl. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, with final sentencing to be determined by a judge under federal guidelines.
US officials said the case highlights the severe harm caused by drug and sex trafficking networks, which exploit vulnerable individuals and contribute to addiction and violence. Federal authorities reiterated their commitment to dismantling such operations and holding those responsible accountable under the law.
