Truckers Accused Of Kidnapping; FBI Fears There Are More Victims

Chicago IL

12 April, 2021

1:17 PM

Description

PALATINE, IL—The FBI arrested two truck drivers, one from Chicago, who are accused of kidnapping women along their routes and demanding money for their release. South Carolina resident Brian T. Summerson, 25, and Chicago resident Peirre L. Washington, 35, have both been indicted by a federal grand jury in Memphis, Tennessee. The FBI asked for help finding potential victims and information in a statement on Wednesday. According to the bureau, there could be many more victims who have not yet come forward. Washington owns a trucking company based out of Palatine called God Got Me LLC, though investigators are not sure of Washington's main route. The company's website has been taken down. Summerson was arrested in Daytona Beach, Florida and charged with battery, false imprisonment and tampering with a witness calling 911. The 25-year-old is employed as an over-the-road trucker, which means he drives long distances across the country. His primary route is Interstate 95 from New Jersey to Miami, but he also travels to Chicago and Kansas City, Missouri. While driving along those routes, Summerson would approach women and claim to be named, "Von or Vaughn," the FBI said. During the grand jury indictment, Summerson was accused of holding women against their will and sometimes transporting them across state lines where he coerced them into prostitution along with Washington. Washington was arrested in Chicago in connection with the case and is currently on home detention. Due to his changing route, investigators say victims could come from all over the country. The FBI is still investigating, and said the investigation has revealed photos, videos and messages of additional women on Summerson's electronic devices. Anyone with information on the case, or who may be a victim or may have been affected by the crimes is asked to email [email protected] so an investigator can contact them. Responses are voluntary. Brian T. Summerson (left) and Pierre L. Washington are accused of kidnapping female victims along their trucking routes./Photo from the FBI