Joint Operation Leads To Arrest of Dover Man For Human Trafficking and Drug Charges

The Dover Police Department has arrested James Paz, 62, of Dover, following the conclusion of a joint investigation. This investigation began when Detectives were made aware of illegal drug dealing and prostitution occurring at a residence associated with Paz in the unit block of South State Street.

The Dover Police Department’s Drugs, Vice and Organized Crime Unit (DVOC), the Delaware State Police Human Trafficking Unit, and the FBI Delaware Violent Crimes and Safe Streets Task Force (DVCSSTF) collaborated and began a several months long investigation into these acts.

On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, Dover Police Department, Delaware State Police and members of the FBI DVCSSTF executed a search warrant on the residence in the unit block of South State Street and Paz was taken into custody without incident. A search of the residences resulted in Detectives locating paraphernalia related to heroin and crack cocaine packaging/use and 13 bags of heroin.

Paz was transported to Dover Police Department where he was processed and arraigned.

Paz was committed to SCI on the following charges and bail amounts.

Dover Police Department – $3,400 unsecured bail on the following charges:
-Maintaining a Drug Property
-Possession of Heroin
-Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Delaware State Police – $80,000 cash bail on the following charges:
-Human Trafficking – Sexual Servitude (2x)
-Trafficking an Individual (2x)

Paz is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The Dover Police Department would like to thank the Delaware State Police and the FBI for their continued partnership and dedication to improving conditions in Dover and throughout the State of Delaware.