VBPD Special Investigations Bureau Locates Missing Juvenile in Human Trafficking Investigation

On June 25, 2026, the Virginia Beach Police Department Special Investigations Bureau (SIB) received information from the Virginia State Police (VSP) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) regarding a 16-year-old missing juvenile from another state. The information indicated the juvenile may have been a victim of commercial sex trafficking.

Detectives from the Virginia Beach Police Department’s Human Trafficking Squad worked in conjunction with HSI, VSP, and the Norfolk Police Department to initiate a coordinated investigation. This investigation led detectives to a hotel in Norfolk, where the juvenile was located and safely recovered.

During the investigation, SIB detectives identified and detained the suspect, Robert Cole (M/41) of Atlanta. Cole was arrested and charged with Aiding Prostitution, Use of a Vehicle to Promote Prostitution, and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor. Cole is currently being held at Norfolk City Jail without bond. 

The Virginia Beach Police Department Special Investigations Bureau is a member of the Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force and the regional Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force. The Hampton Roads Human Trafficking Task Force provides victim-centered services, investigates labor and sex trafficking offenses, and conducts public outreach to prevent human trafficking throughout the region.

The Task Force is supported by a federal grant from the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). This grant assists in coordinating regional efforts to combat human trafficking, support victims, and hold offenders accountable.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, confidential help is available by contacting the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

(Note: The charges mentioned in this press release are accusations, and the arrested individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.)