‘Human trafficking operation’ targeted by deputies was Bible class, Virginia cops say

A Wednesday night Bible study class turned chaotic in Virginia when a neighbor assumed the crowd was engaged in a “human trafficking operation” and called the cops, according to investigators.

It happened around 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at a mobile home park near Stafford, and the 911 caller was so convinced, he stormed in and tried to punch a man who turned out to be an ordained minister, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office said in a Feb. 6 news release.

“Deputies responded to Renee Road for a disturbance that was quickly escalating. ... The caller confronted his neighbors in their residence and observed a large number of people. He would assume this to be a ‘human trafficking operation’ and wanted deputies to investigate it,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Deputies quickly arrived on scene where they made contact with the caller, who ... demanded deputies to ‘identify everyone’ within the residence.”

A visit to the home in question revealed the large crowd was engaged in a Bible study class, the sheriff’s office said.

“While conversing about the gospel, the neighbors advised (a man) forced his way into the residence to confront them. He would nearly strike an ordained minister and threaten to punch another male. Video evidence would confirm this,” the sheriff’s office said.

The 48-year-old man who entered the home is the same one who called 911, according to officials, and deputies saw “signs of intoxication” as the suspect complained about all the parked cars surrounding the home.

He was arrested and “charged with breaking and entering, assault, and public intoxication,” the sheriff’s office said.