FREEPORT, Maine — A Yarmouth man has been charged with sex trafficking in connection with a business in Freeport.
Peter O'Donnell, 68, is accused of leading an illicit massage business at 475 US Route 1, Brunswick police said Friday in a press release.
Police said the business served as a front for prostitution, with O'Donnell allegedly recruiting and employing people to perform sexual services for clients.
O'Donnell was arrested on Thursday on charges that were filed after search warrants were executed at two locations: 475 US Route 1 in Freeport and 60 Forest Falls Drive in Yarmouth.
The Yarmouth location, 60 Forest Falls Drive, is the address of Harbourside Family Practice. The business lists Peter B. O'Donnell MD prominently on its website.
"In the summer of 1993, Dr. Peter O'Donnell established Harbourside Family Practice," the website reads. "Resurrecting the spirit of the small town family doctor. That spirit continues today, over 20 years later."
During the searches, law enforcement officials found two people suspected to be victims of human trafficking, according to the release.
O'Donnell's bail was set at $2,500. He is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 7, 2025, police said.
Officials said the case is the result of an extensive investigation by the Freeport and Brunswick police departments.
"Sex trafficking remains a serious issue across the nation, and Maine is not immune. This case highlights how some individuals misuse power, wealth, or influence to exploit others," police said in the release. "Law enforcement is fully committed to protecting victims and ensuring that those who profit from exploitation face serious legal consequences."
Officials ask that anyone who may have information about O’Donnell or related activities to contact Detective Rice of the Freeport Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at
207-865-4800 or Detective Kittredge of the Brunswick Police Department Criminal
Investigations Division at 207-721-4312.
