A covert law enforcement operation in Metro Detroit this week led to the arrest of more than 20 people in connection with human trafficking–related activity, according to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Enforcement Team (SET), made up of detectives from the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office and the Warren Police Department, carried out the targeted operation. They were assisted by multiple agencies, including the Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau, Macomb Area Computer Enforcement, the Macomb Auto Theft Squad, and several task force officers.
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Twelve people were arrested for engaging in commercial sex activity.
They were processed and released pending criminal charges for prostitution, accosting, and soliciting, which are 93-day misdemeanors under Michigan law.
Nine additional people were arrested for allegedly facilitating commercial sexual activity.
They remain lodged in the Macomb County Jail pending charges of prostitution/transporting a person, a felony that carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham said the arrests underscore the department’s commitment to combating human trafficking.
“Human trafficking is a serious and disturbing crime that exploits the most vulnerable among us,” said Wickersham. “These arrests send a clear message that our office will aggressively pursue those who profit from human suffering.”