PONTIAC, Mich. – Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald joined community and law enforcement leaders to provide an update on the county’s fight against human trafficking.
The briefing included Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren, Auburn Hills Police Chief Ryan Gagnon, Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward and Commissioners Michael Spisz and Linnie Taylor.
Before 2021, the prosecutor’s office had prosecuted only five trafficking cases in nine years.
Since taking office, McDonald formed a human trafficking task force unit that has prosecuted 38 trafficking cases in the past year.
The office has also started focusing on charging individuals who seek services from traffickers.
“We’ve learned how to stop it and how to prevent it, and part of that is holding individuals accountable who seek out and pay traffickers for sexual acts,” McDonald said.
So far, eight individuals who purchased sex work have been charged.
“That is a meaningful part of how we stop trafficking,” she added.
According to McDonald, Michigan ranks as one of the top states in the country for human trafficking.
Auburn Hills Police Chief Ryan Gagnon emphasized that help is available for those involved in trafficking.
“If you are involved in this, call 911. Contact your local law enforcement, ask to be put in touch with task force members in Oakland County and we can get you the help. There’s a lot of resources out there,” Gagnon said.
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