Massive FBI operation rescues 12 minors from sex trafficking in Michigan

8 traffickers arrested, 46 adults taken into custody for prostitution

DETROIT – The FBI and hundreds of police departments across the country have been conducting sting operations to rescue children trapped in sex-trafficking operations.

Operation Cross Country XI resulted in 84 minors being rescued in the United States, 12 of them in Michigan.

FBI agents netted eight traffickers in Michigan and took another 46 adults into custody for prostitution.

Of the 84 children rescued across the country, the average age was 15. The children were all being sold for sex, trapped in situations well beyond their control.

Among the rescued children was a teenager from Russia who had minimal to no English language skills.

Agents said the youngest victim was a 3-month-old girl, who was rescued along with her 5-year-old sister in Colorado. Officials said a relative of theirs made a deal to sell them for sex for $600 to an undercover officer.

In Michigan, the FBI and 24 local police agencies worked the sting, rescuing 12 children. FBI Detroit Special Agent in Charge David Gelios said while the recovery of exploited juveniles is the priority, the FBI will continue to work tirelessly to rescue anyone being commercially trafficked and exploited.

You can watch Mara MacDonald's full story in the video posted above.


About the Authors:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.