Derick Hutchinson , Lead Digital Editor. This sting, labelled Operation Crusade II, was the second phase of a Warren police focus on human trafficking, prostitution, pandering and illegal sale of drugs. There are 26 officers on the task force, officials said. The first phase -- from May -- resulted in the arrest of 17 women and 18 men, Dwyer said. Officials charged them with a total of 30 felonies and 45 misdemeanors. On Friday, police announced 31 felonies and 72 misdemeanors have been handed down from phase two of the operation.
The 46 people taken into custody range in age from 25 to 60 years old, Dwyer said. He also said the prostitutes range in age from 18 to 60 years old. Among those arrested was a State Farm insurance agent, an OnStar technician, a Bank of America employee and a student from East Lansing, according to authorities.
Police said three victims of human trafficking were identified Friday morning. Three victims identified during the May sting have been helping police with other areas of the investigation, Dwyer said. These people here were young girls. Today we have human trafficking. We have young people again forced into prostitution and drug addiction. The women are still being charged, however, because prostitution is against the law, Dwyer said. Fouts said one of the striking aspects of the operation is that many of the prostitutes are selling drugs and they themselves have become addicted.
He said Warren is the leader in Metro Detroit when it comes to fighting drugs, prostitution and other crimes. Warren police Detective Craig Bankowski is leading the investigation. He said the crimes are being carried out at hotels and residences -- including multi-family apartment complexes. He said cooperation from hotel management has helped Warren police during the operation.
Much of the advertising for prostitution is still happening online or through apps on smart devices, Bankowski said. Like Dwyer, he reiterated that this phase of the operation has not been completed. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. Local News.
