LANSING, Mich. (WILX) – A Metro Detroit man and a Pennsylvania woman are facing felony charges, including human trafficking, after being arrested at a Southfield hotel over the weekend.
Jowuan Shorter of Inkster and Kylee Berry of Connelsville, Pa. were each arraigned Monday on charges of operating a human trafficking enterprise and accepting earnings of prostitution, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office.
Mugshots of Jowuan Shorter, left, and Kylee Berry, both charged with human trafficking after arrest at Southfield hotel(Oakland County Sheriff’s Office)
Shorter, 30, and Berry, 27, were arrested Saturday, Feb. 21 in Southfield after a 47-year-old Detroit man called police to report that he had been robbed by two men while inside a hotel room. The sheriff’s office says the Detroit man had gone to the hotel to meet with a sex worker earlier Saturday.
The Sheriff’s Office Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force, with the assistance of the
Southfield Police Department’s Tactical Crimes Suppression Unit, was contacted about a case of possible human trafficking. obtained search warrants for two rooms at the hotel. Investigators found suspected cocaine and fentanyl and evidence supporting human trafficking.
Shorter and Berry were arrested at the hotel. Investigators are seeking a third man who is wanted in the case. Shorter and Berry each have an extensive criminal history. They are also believed to be connected to crimes in Bloomfield Township, Canton and Romulus, according to the sheriff’s office.
In addition to the human trafficking and prostitution charges, Berry is also charged with possession of a controlled substance.
Shorter and Berry are both being held on $50,000 bond.
“Our collective anti-human trafficking efforts continue to grow with our strong partnerships across the area,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. “In this case, Southfield police were integral in their efforts, communication and teamwork. With this combined focus, people were identified and arrested on charges of human trafficking. This modern-day scourge must be rooted out and perpetrators held to account. I am proud of our task force’s efforts.”
If you have been a victim of human trafficking or know of someone who is, you are encouraged to call the Human Trafficking tip line at 248-858-0411 or your local police department.
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