ROYAL OAK (WWJ)-- A doctor from Royal Oak faces a decade or two behind bars if he's convicted on human trafficking and drug charges.
Dr. Gireesh Velugubanti, 49, has been charged with Human Trafficking Enterprise Resulting In Injury, which could lead to 15-years in prison if convicted.
Velugubanti, a neurologist, is accused of being a customer for a trafficking ring being run out of Sonesta Suites by three people who have also been charged.
According to prosecutors, text messages show Velugubanti and one of those running the operation arranging a time for him to have sex with a victim and to buy drugs.
“Purchasing sex with trafficked women isn’t a victimless crime. It is abuse,” said Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “This defendant and men like him, often living comfortable lives, prey on victims who have been denied personal agency or freedom by traffickers. Sex trafficking only exists because so-called ‘customers’ create an economic incentive. They will be held accountable.”
Investigators say he threatened the healthcare of one of the sex workers that he was unhappy with.
“It is difficult to conceive of a component of human trafficking that worsens the situation, but the fact that the alleged perpetrator we uncovered in this investigation is a doctor makes it even more disturbing,” said Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, in a statement. “How can someone who has sworn the Hippocratic oath to ‘do no harm’ be involved in such absolutely violating and disgusting behavior? There needs to be a full reckoning for this at the bar of justice.”
Velugubanti is also charged with Conspiracy To Deliver A Controlled Substance. which could tack on another 20-years in jail if he is found guilty.
He's being held in the Oakland County Jail on $500,000 cash or surety bond after his arraignment in 46th District Court on Friday.