In May of 2014, a detective from
the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, Vice/Narcotics Division, was contacted
by Hermegildo Escamilla-Granados (Age 30 from Frederick, MD) after posting a
non-sexual advertisement on a classified-based website commonly viewed by
sexual offenders. The undercover
officer, who posed as a 16 year old female, exchanged numerous emails with
Escamilla-Granados for several weeks.
During the course of the email exchanges, Escamilla-Granados solicited
the undercover officer to engage in sexual intercourse for U.S. currency,
requested the undercover officer send him nude photographs, and sent a
photograph of his genitalia to the officer.
As the result of the investigation, an arrest warrant was
obtained for Escamilla-Granados, charging him with prostitution and soliciting
a minor for prostitution.
On July 17, 2014, detectives from the SMCSO,
Vice/Narcotics Division, traveled to Frederick, Maryland and apprehended
Escamilla-Granados. Escamilla-Granados
was transported back to St. Mary’s County and served a copy of his arrest
warrant. While processing
Escamilla-Granados, it was discovered he entered the United States illegally
approximately 13 years ago. Immigration
and Customs Enforcement was notified of Escamilla-Granados arrest at which time
a detainer was issued, requiring Escamilla-Granados to remain in custody
pending a review of his immigration status and alleged offense. For the original charge of soliciting a minor
for prostitution, Escamilla-Granados received a $7,500.00 bond.
The investigation is ongoing and
additional charges are expected pending a review by State’s Attorney Richard
Fritz. The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s
Office would like to thank Sheriff Charles A. Jenkins and his Deputies who
assisted with this investigation and the apprehension of Escamilla-Granados.
Hermegildo Escamilla-Granados
Inquiries should be directed
to Captain Daniel D. Alioto, Commander of Vice/Narcotics, at 301-475-4200
x1918.
