(WWJ) – A Toledo man is facing a long list of human trafficking-related charges after Michigan State Police troopers noticed "something wasn't quite right" during a traffic stop in Oakland County last week.
Javonte Odom, 30, was arraigned in Novi's 52-1 District Court on six total charges, including human trafficking of a minor for commercial sexual activity. The charges come after troopers found him driving a car the morning of Nov. 2 with two teen girls inside.
It was around 3 a.m. when troopers stopped to assist a car on eastbound I-96 near Old Plank Road, near Wixom and New Hudson.
MSP officials say while the troopers were having a conversation with Odom and the teenagers — ages 19 and 16 — something felt off because "none of their stories were matching up." As troopers continued to look into the situation they discovered one of the girls was reported missing from a group home in Ohio.
Troopers also determined Odom and the girls had been staying at a hotel near the scene of a traffic stop. They took the trio to the MSP post to continue investigating. They also notified the Second District Special Investigation Section, Trafficking and Abduction Group (TAG).
Detectives discovered they had traveled through several states, though officials did not disclose where else they had been.
TAG detectives executed several search warrants on phones and the driver's vehicle and found several commercial sex ads, including one that was posted from the side of I-96, according to MSP.
Investigators also found evidence of child sexual abuse material.
An investigator's report was submitted to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office for review, while the 19-year-old woman was given assistance with getting her car repaired and released.
The 16-year-old was turned over to CPS in Toledo.
This week the prosecutor's office charged Odom with the following:
• Human trafficking of a minor for commercial sexual activity
• Transporting a person for the purpose of prostitution
• Child sexually abusive activity
• Using a computer to commit a crime
• Distributing child sexually abusive material
• Possession of child sexually abusive material
Bond was set at $500,000.
"These troopers recognized that something wasn't right at this car assist. Often we are asked why we ask so many questions during stops. This is exactly why. Two young ladies rescued from an abusive situation. Great work by troops and our TAG detectives," MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw said on social media.
If you are a victim of human trafficking or of you know someone you think may need help, you are urged to contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at: 888-373-7888, or text 233733.
This is a national, toll-free hotline, is available to answer calls, texts and chats from anywhere in the U.S., 24-hours a day, 7-days a week, every day of the year.
