Indian-Origin Couple Arrested In US For Running Sex

An Indian-origin couple and three others have been arrested in the US state of Virginia on charges of drug and sex trafficking.

The arrests were made after federal and local agencies raided a motel that was allegedly being used as the centre of illegal activities.

According to federal prosecutors in northern Virginia, Kosha Sharma (52) and her husband Tarun Sharma (55) were running prostitution and drug operations from the third floor of their motel, the Red Carpet Inn, while regular guests were allowed to stay on the lower floors.

The couple was taken into custody after multiple undercover operations and a coordinated raid by local police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Court documents say that since May 2023, the Sharmas, through their company Kosha LLC, had leased and operated the Red Carpet Inn.

As per the criminal complaint, the married couple allegedly allowed a prostitution and drug network to function from the motel and took a share of the profits from the illegal business.

Police said Kosha Sharma would direct customers looking for drugs or prostitutes to rooms on the third floor and would warn them if police arrived, often preventing officers from entering those rooms.

Along with the Sharmas, three others were also arrested. They are Margo Pierce (51), Joshua Reddick (40), and Rashard Smith (33). Authorities said all three were actively involved in the illegal activities at the motel.

Court records revealed that between May and August 2025, undercover agents from Prince William County and the FBI visited the motel at least nine times. Officers posed as prostitutes, pimps and customers during these visits.

Investigators said at least eight women were forced into prostitution at the motel. Rashard Smith and others allegedly charged between $80 and $150 for sex. Police also stated that the women were not allowed to leave the premises and were physically abused.

During the same period, undercover agents carried out 15 controlled drug purchases at the motel. They reportedly received fentanyl on eleven occasions and cocaine four times.

Court documents allege that Margo Pierce was responsible for distributing drugs in all 15 transactions.

All five accused have been charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison.

The final punishment will be decided by a federal judge based on US sentencing guidelines and other legal factors.