OAKLAND COUNTY – A Warren man is facing serious charges after investigators say he continued to direct a human trafficking ring while in prison.
Ryan Ramone Wafford, 33, was arraigned Friday on two counts of human trafficking and one count of prostitution/accepting earnings, felonies that could send him to prison for up to 20 years.
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According to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, Wafford used jail phones, tablets, and video calls to send dozens of messages related to forced sex labor while he was in custody at the Oakland County Jail for a probation violation.
“Even while in custody on unrelated charges, the suspect continued trying to direct and control others,” said Sheriff Michael Bouchard. “Thanks to the persistence of our investigators, we were able to uncover this and rescue individuals from human trafficking. I commend their determination in pursuing the case until the victims were safe. I look forward to him being held accountable.”
Wafford was arrested at his home by the Sheriff’s SWAT team, with help from Warren Police.
The sheriff’s office said one of Wafford’s victims and her child were present at the time of his arrest.
Authorities said Wafford has a lengthy criminal history dating back to 2012, including convictions for drug offenses, felony retail fraud, and carrying a concealed weapon.