(WWJ) A total of 21 people have been arrested and charged, according to authorities, in connection an alleged human trafficking operation in Macomb County.
According to a release Friday by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, the MCSO's Enforcement Team (SET), conducted a "covert, targeted enforcement operation" addressing human trafficking related activity in the Metro Detroit area.
During this operation, the sheriff's office said a dozen people were arrested for engaging in "commercial sex activity," and nine more people were arrested on charged associated with facilitating commercial sexual activity.
“Human trafficking is a serious and disturbing crime that exploits the most vulnerable among us,” said Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, in a statement. “These arrests send a clear message that our office will aggressively pursue those who profit from human suffering.”
The 12 individuals arrested for the alleged commercial sex activity were processed and released pending criminal charges for Prostitution/Accosting and Soliciting — a 93-day misdemeanor, officials said.
As of Friday, the nine others remained lodged at the Macomb County Jail awaiting their arraignments on charges of Prostitution/Transporting a Person — which is a 20-year felony. Their names have not yet been released.
Sheriff's officials said the bust happened "this week," but did not provide details as to exactly when, or where.
SET is made up of detectives from both the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office and the Warren Police Department, was assisted by the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau, Macomb Area Computer Enforcement (MACE), Macomb Auto Theft Squad (MATS), and Task Force Officers.