Williamsburg Police are asking for the public’s help in finding a man accused of abducting and forcing two women into prostitution.
Police are searching for 29-year-old Evan Anthony Cole, of Williamsburg, police wrote in a news release Friday.
Cole is charged with two felony counts of sex trafficking, two felony counts of abduction, two felony counts of robbery, one felony count of strangulation, and two misdemeanor counts of assault and battery.
According to the news release, police were called to a hotel in the 300 block of York Street around 9:30 a.m. Friday after receiving a call about a suspicious incident.
The two women alleged they were abducted and forced into prostitution
by Cole. Police said the women also alleged Cole choked, assaulted and robbed them.
Cole is about 6-foot-2 and weighs approximately 190 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes, and distinguishing tattoos on his face, neck and hands.
According to court records, Cole has a history dating back several years. He was previously convicted of assault and battery of a family member and forcing a person to remain in a criminal gang.
He was also accused of assaulting a woman on the side of the road in James City County in February 2017.
Williamsburg Police consider Cole to be dangerous, but don’t believe he is armed.
Those who see Cole should err on the side of caution and not approach him, police spokesman Officer John Heilman said. Those who see him should immediately call law enforcement.
Anyone who has any information about the whereabouts of Cole should contact police at 757-220-6238 or call the
Peninsula Crime Line at 888 LOCK-U-UP.
