MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. – A Madison Heights man was charged after allegedly assaulting a woman and forcing her to engage in sex acts with him and other men for money.
The investigation began after Madison Heights police went to the Travelodge near 14 Mile on Aug. 10 for a report of an assault.
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When police arrived, they found a woman with injuries to her lip and nose. She told police that Gerod Remond Penick, 33, tried to take her phone, which resulted in a physical confrontation.
The woman also told police that Penick forced her to engage in sex acts with him and other men for money against her will.
“For too long, trafficking victims had been afraid to contact police for fear of being treated as criminal sex workers,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “As this case shows, law enforcement and prosecutors in Oakland County understand victims are victims. No one should be afraid to report a crime. We are here to help anyone being trafficked.”
Penick was charged with human trafficking, third-degree criminal sexual conduct, prostitution - accepting earnings, resisting and obstruction and assault and battery.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.