WILMINGTON — A man was arrested in a New Hanover County courtroom this week on outstanding warrants for charges related to human trafficking and prostitution.
Mackenzie Merrell Thigpen was arrested on Monday while attending court, according to the Pender County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO). It is uncertain why Thigpen was in court when the arrest was made, although he is now scheduled to appear again in New Hanover County District Court on October 13 for a misdemeanor out-of-county probation violation.
The outstanding warrants were for charges of human trafficking of an adult victim, advancing prostitution, profiting from prostitution, and felony conspiracy. His arrest was the result of a Pender Sheriff’s investigation that began in June, according to the PCSO.
Thigpen is being held on a $500,000 secured bond.
