Human trafficking sting leads to 35 arrests in Warren

Warren police arrested 35 men and women in connection with an undercover investigation into human trafficking.

Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer announced Friday the arrest of 17 women and 18 men as part of an ongoing sting dubbed “Operation Crusade.”

The charges — 30 felonies and 45 misdemeanors — range from transporting a prostitute to keeping a house of prostitution. During the raids, police also found cocaine, heroin, and other drugs.

The suspects are from numerous communities in metro Detroit, including Clinton Township, Roseville, Clawson, Detroit, Belleville, and Waterford Township. They operated out of hotels and motels in Warren.

Dwyer compared human trafficking to “modern-day slavery.”

“We are sending a very strong message that human trafficking and prostitution will not be tolerated in Warren,” Dwyer said, emphasizing “ongoing efforts to identify additional victims.”

Warren Mayor Jim Fouts said drug addiction appeared to be a strong factor in the human trafficking operations.

“Virtually every one of these young women who was arrested was addicted to drugs,” Fouts said during a press conference. “They are enslaved by drugs.”

Fouts said he wants “people to feel safe when the move to Warren.”

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