After a lengthy investigation by authorities, two at-large suspects were indicted Thursday for allegedly operating a prostitution ring in Anchorage.
Troy Edward Williams, 47, and Heidi Ross, 35, are accused of using force to make victims engage in prostitution, according to a statement from the Alaska Department of Law. Williams and Ross allegedly used tactics such as beating women and depriving them of “food and other necessities” if the victims failed to make enough money.
“In another instance, Ross is alleged to have forced women to take ice baths, be beaten, or hand write ‘I am willing to work’ a thousand times if they appeared reluctant to be prostituted,” according to charging documents.
Based on the seriousness of the charges and prior criminal history, Williams faces a potential sentencing range of 20 to 35 years. He was eight prior felonies and misdemeanor convictions that include robbery, burglary, hindering prosecution and weapons offenses.
Ross faces a presumptive sentencing range of at least 10 to 25 years, according to the DOL.
The investigation was conducted by the Alaska Bureau of Investigation’s Special Crimes Investigation Unit.
Warrants have been issued for their arrest. Authorities ask people with information on the couple’s whereabouts, or alleged crimes, to contact the ABI’s Special Crimes Investigation Unit at 907-269-5611.