Hotel meetup ends in arrest for pa. Man in trafficking case

CAERNARVON TWP., Pa. — A Caernarvon Township man has been sentenced to two and a half to five years in state prison, followed by five years of probation, after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a human trafficking sting conducted by the Lancaster County Human Trafficking Task Force.

Luke R. Martin, 62, of the 1800 block of East Main Street, entered a guilty plea on July 3 to charges including statutory sexual assault, patronizing a victim of human trafficking, and criminal use of a communication facility.

According to prosecutors, Martin responded to an online advertisement in February 2024 and arranged to pay money to meet with someone he believed to be a 14-year-old girl. He was taken into custody when he arrived at a hotel in Ephrata Township where the meeting was set to take place.

Judge Jeffrey Conrad imposed the sentence, which also includes a $300 fine. Before serving his prison term, Martin will undergo an evaluation to determine whether he qualifies for designation as a sexually violent predator.

Assistant District Attorney Fritz Haverstick prosecuted the case. Charges were filed by Mount Joy Borough Police Officer Christine Keiffer.

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Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

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Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

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