Indian-origin couple accused of drug trafficking, illicit activities at US motel

Five defendants made their initial appearance in a US court on charges linked to alleged drug trafficking and sex trafficking activities in and around the Red Carpet Inn in Dumfries, Virginia, according to a press release issued by the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

Federal prosecutors, in their statement, allege that since May 2023, Indian-origin Kosha Sharma, also known as ‘Ma’ or ‘Mama K’, 52, and her husband Tarun Sharma, also known as ‘Pop’ or ‘Pa’, 55, operated the Red Carpet Inn through their company, Kosha LLC.

As per a criminal complaint, the couple allegedly took a share of profits generated from illegal activities carried out on the motel’s third floor.

Court documents state that between May 28, 2025, and December 17, 2025, law enforcement conducted nine prostitution encounters and 15 controlled drug purchases at the motel. Of these, 11 involved fentanyl and four involved cocaine. Authorities allege that Margo Waldon Pierce, also known as ‘Marko’, 51, distributed narcotics in all 15 controlled purchases.

Two other individuals — Joshua Roderick, also known as ‘Josh’, 40, and Rashard Perrish Smith, also known by multiple aliases including ‘Sean’, ‘Shawn’, and ‘Baltimore’, 33 — were also arrested for their alleged involvement in the criminal operation.

The defendants have been charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled sUSances, including fentanyl. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge after consideration of the US Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

US Attorney Lindsey Halligan said drug and sex trafficking exploit vulnerable individuals and fuel violence and addiction, adding that her office remains committed to dismantling criminal enterprises that profit from such exploitation.

FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division Special Agent in Charge Reid Davis said the arrests followed a joint investigation involving the FBI, the Prince William County Police Department, and the Virginia State Police.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorneys Catherine Rosenberg and Megan Braun. Investigators emphasised that the charges stem from a criminal complaint and that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.