Search warrants in a human trafficking case are under seal, according to the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.

Detective C. Watkins said this morning that the victim in the case was severely malnourished and was allegedly held against their will by Doris Bynum for eight to nine months. The victim, who the warrants state is under 16, is recovering. 

Watkins said the tip about the case — which the sheriff’s office began investigating in March 2025 — came from a human trafficking safehouse. 

He noted that investigators have not yet established a motive.

The case is not believed to be part of a wider human trafficking ring, authorities said. 

On Tuesday, Bynum was assigned a public defender after filing an affidavit of indigency, according to court records. 

Bynum, 53, remains in the Halifax County Detention Center and is scheduled for an April 23 disposition hearing.

The HCSO reported earlier that after a lengthy investigation, which included multiple interviews and search warrants, Watkins obtained warrants and arrested Bynum on Monday.

The human trafficking warrant alleges that Bynum obtained, by any means, another person to be held in involuntary servitude. The kidnapping warrant alleges she kidnapped a person under 16 by confining and restraining the victim for the purpose of causing serious bodily injury; the warrant states the victim was seriously injured. Additionally, a warrant for obtaining property by false pretenses alleges that Bynum obtained $21,422 by making the victim believe a false debt was real.

The investigation continues, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Watkins at 252-583-8201.