CAIRO- Matthew Malik Harris, 24, of Augusta, has been charged with human trafficking, following a routine traffic stop, subsequent chase, and investigation by the Grady County Sheriff’s Office and Georgia Bureau of Investigation Exploitation and Trafficking Unit.

According to GCSO Sheriff Earl Prince, Deputy Austin Asbell was patrolling the area of Hwy. 112 N at approximately 9:30 p.m. on April 14, 2025, when he came across a Chevy Malibu traveling south.

The vehicle had reportedly crossed the “rumble strips,” and Asbell noted the driver, later identified as Harris was failing to maintain lane. He then attempted to initiate a traffic stop.

As he was exiting vehicle to approach the driver, the vehicle sped away. Asbell immediately returned to his patrol car and initiated a short pursuit on the vehicle, before Harris eventually stopped at the Old Hartsville Farm area on Hwy. 112.

Asbell once again attempted to approach the driver.

Following a short conversation with Harris, Asbell identified him as wanted out of Escambia County, Fla. for human trafficking.

During his conversation with Harris, Asbell noted two passengers avoiding eye contact with him. Asbell shared with other deputies that he felt in his gut something wasn’t right.

“He proceeded to investigate the situation further and it was determined through that interaction that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation Exploitation and Trafficking Unit needed to be notified,” Prince said.

After being notified, the GBI Exploitation and Trafficking Unit responded to the scene, where they learned one of the passengers was a victim of sexual trafficking, and had been so for the past three weeks.

The victim, along with Harris, and the remaining passenger, whose name is not being made public at this time, was taken back to the Grady County Detention Center. There, the GBI and deputies were able to make contact with the victim’s family and reunify them.

During the interviews conducted at the Detention Center, deputies also learned Harris had tossed out a gun during the pursuit.

GCSO reached out to Thomasville Police Department’s K-9 Apollo to help retrieve the weapon.

Following a short search, Apollo was able to locate the weapon, taking a potentially dangerous gun off the streets.

Harris now faces multiple charges including human trafficking in Grady County, with more to come from the GBI.

Prince thanked everyone involved in this case, but especially Asbell, who took the extra step in helping a victim when they were unable to help themself.

“I want to thank Officer Asbell for his intuition and quick thinking,” Prince said. “I cannot express my gratitude to him and his shift for what they have done here in rescuing this victim.”

Prince noted the combination of efforts from all parties is what law enforcement is truly about.

“Everyone thinks this can’t happen in a small town like Grady County, but it can and it’s here,” he said. “We are raising a red flag right now.”

Prince said the investigation is ongoing with more information to come as it continues.