11-year-old's death reveals human trafficking operation where kids were waterboarded: cops

CONWAY, Fla. (WKRC) - Multiple suspects were charged after the death of an 11-year-old allegedly revealed a human trafficking operation that involved children being "essentially waterboarded." Emergency services responded to a residence at around 5 p.m. on June 13, 2025 after receiving a report of an 11-year-old who was suffering from multiple blunt force trauma, according to official information obtained by local outlet WBTW. "This was a horrific crime," said Horry County Police Chief Kris Leonhardt. "This poor 11-year-old victim suffered multiple injuries... We're talking about an 11-year-old life that was snuffed out. Completely uncalled for." Three suspects were initially charged with obstruction of justice: Camisha McGaskey, Lakesha Burnett, and Alantis Thomas. "Physical evidence to include mops, towels, and bedding were located in trash bags inside of the home by HCPD Crime Scene Investigators that did test presumptively positive for blood," warrants obtained by the outlet read. Shortly after the initial discovery, seven other children were removed from the home where the 11-year-old was found, which was also where she was living. Six adults were eventually charged in connection to the 11-year-old's death, including 57-year-old Margaret Roberson, who was called the "matriarch of the house" in court, according to local outlet WMBF. Senior assistant solicitor Leigh Waller told the court how Roberson reportedly treated the children within her home, including forcing them to clean at risk of being assaulted. Law&Crime reported that this cleaning wasn't just restricted to the house, but rather the children were forced to clean medical clinics around the city. "They said if they didn't clean they - Camisha McGaskey - they would get what they called 'the upper room treatment'... when a child would be taken into a bathroom, the upstairs bathroom, and essentially water boarded," Walker said. The abuse also allegedly occurred on camera, videos of which had been obtained by the prosecution. "Margaret Roberson sits in the videos and watches, while she sits in her bedroom," Walker said. A victim reportedly spoke during Roberson's trial, saying the woman knew the children were being abused and "thought it was funny." Roberson's attorney, Morgan Martin, argued against the claims that she forced the children to work. "The fact that it's forced labor just doesn't seem to be verified by the evidence that I've seen," Martin said. "Nobody from Conway hospital, nobody other than these children, who give contradictory statements, the each of them, frankly, about exactly what was happening with regards with their going to Conway hospital to work." Martin further said that even if the children were "working, or asked to work, or told to work," it doesn't necessarily equate to human trafficking "because that's got a totally different definition to it." Roberson faces five counts of trafficking in persons, three counts of unlawful conduct toward a child, and one count of criminal conspiracy.