A couple has been arrested for kidnapping and sexual trafficking in Cranston, Rhode Island, after a routine traffic stop. Niesha l. Bessell, 29, and Michael Gomes, 28, were arrested after Rhode Island State Police stopped the car early Wednesday morning because it was missing a front license plate.

Police noted that the woman in the back seat was shaking and not making eye contact. She pulled out her cell phone and typed a message, which she turned to the troopers. It said “GET ME OUT OF THE CAR.” Police removed her from the vehicle. She revealed that she had been kidnapped.

Police investigation determined that the 24-year-old victim was lured into meeting the Cranston couple, who forcibly abducted her. She was able to dial 911 on her cell phone but was unable to talk. About 20 minutes later troopers stopped the vehicle for the routine motor vehicle violation and learned of the kidnapping.

Interviews with the victim throughout the day on Wednesday revealed that she had escaped from Bessell and Gomes “over a year ago” and was currently living in hiding after being forced into prostitution by the couple.

Gomes and Bessell were arraigned at 9:15 p.m. on Wednesday on charges of kidnapping, simple assault, Trafficking of Persons for Forced Labor or Commercial Sexual Activity, and two counts of Possession of a Weapon other than a Firearm.