Indian-Origin Couple Among Five Arrested in Virginia Hotel Trafficking Case
American law enforcement authorities made five arrests this week in connection with a major criminal operation. The suspects include an Indian-origin couple accused of facilitating drug and sex trafficking activities at a motel in Virginia.
Details of the Arrests and Charges
Federal agents took Kosha Sharma, 52, and Tarun Sharma, 55, into custody along with three other individuals. Authorities produced all five suspects in court on Friday to face formal charges related to criminal activities allegedly centered around the Red Carpet Inn in Dumfrees, Virginia.
The other arrested individuals are:
- Margo Waldon Pierce, also known as Marko (51)
- Joshua Roderick, also known as Josh (40)
- Rashard Perrish Smith, also known as Sean, Shawn, B, or Baltimore (33)
Hotel Operation and Criminal Enterprise
Court documents reveal that the Sharma couple and their company, Kosha LLC, have leased and operated the Red Carpet Inn since May 2023. According to official statements, the couple allegedly received a portion of profits from illegal activities conducted specifically on the hotel's third floor.
Between May 28, 2025, and December 17, 2025, law enforcement conducted multiple undercover operations at the establishment. These operations included:
- Nine separate prostitution encounters
- Fifteen controlled purchases of illegal substances
Of the drug purchases, eleven involved fentanyl while four involved cocaine. The evidence gathered during these operations formed the basis for the arrests.
Official Statements on the Case
Lindsey Halligan, US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, emphasized the serious nature of the crimes. "Drug trafficking and sex trafficking devastate communities by exploiting vulnerable individuals and fueling violence and addiction," Halligan stated.
"Our office is committed to dismantling criminal enterprises that profit from human suffering," Halligan continued. "Working alongside our law enforcement partners, we will continue to hold offenders accountable and disrupt the cycles of exploitation that threaten our communities."
Investigation and Collaboration
The case represents a joint effort between multiple law enforcement agencies. The Federal Bureau of Investigation worked alongside the Prince William County Police Department and the Virginia State Police throughout the investigation.
Reid Davis, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Washington Field Office's Criminal Division, acknowledged the collaborative effort. "These arrests stem from a joint investigation between the FBI, the Prince William County Police Department, and the Virginia State Police," Davis confirmed.
"I want to thank our partners for the investigative work they have done to further this investigation and to support one of our top priorities — combating violent crime," Davis added. "The FBI will continue to collaborate with federal and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug and sex trafficking rings and bring traffickers to justice."
Potential Consequences for the Accused
If convicted on the current charges, the suspects face severe penalties. The mandatory minimum sentence stands at ten years in prison, though actual sentences could be longer.
A federal district court judge will determine final sentences after considering multiple factors. These include the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory elements relevant to the case.
The investigation remains active as authorities continue to gather evidence and build their case against the accused individuals.
