Five Maryland men have been arrested, accused of running a multistate prostitution ring that was uncovered after police investigated a deadly double-shooting in Annapolis two years ago. The group, including the reputed ringleader German de Jesus Ventura, 32, of Capitol Heights, were taken into custody last week after police raided stash houses in Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties, authorities said.

“This investigation is an excellent example of federal and local law enforcement working cooperatively to dismantle a criminal organization that used violence to ensure that their organization continued to profit from the exploitation of women,” said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Special Agent in Charge William Winter.