LANSING – In light of the discovery of a heinous child prostitution ring in Arenac County, State Representative Joel Sheltrown (D-West Branch) today called on the Michigan Senate to take quick action on his plan that will give law enforcement officers and prosecutors the tools they need to go after the perpetrators of these atrocious crimes.
"Our local authorities lack the tools to prosecute these human trafficking rings the way they attack other criminal organizations," Sheltrown said. "This package will empower our local and state authorities to take on these vile criminals and protect the thousands of innocent children and adults enslaved by them."
According to news reports, children as young as 10 years old were allegedly forced into prostitution at the home of a Turner Township man in rural Arenac County. The man and daughter were jailed on first-degree sexual assault charges related to the case today.
Sheltrown's bill is part of a package passed by the House that will:
Add human trafficking to the list of offenses that qualify for prosecution under Michigan's racketeering statute so that prosecutors can go after the individuals involved, as well as those who support them and fund their activities.
Provide for the seizure and sale of any assets used in human trafficking, the funds from which can be used to fund further trafficking enforcement.
Provide for restitution for the victims to help compensate them for lost wages.
"Michigan's children are at risk," Sheltrown said. "Prosecutors need to be equipped for the tools to take down prostitution rings and provide restitution to the victims. Our Senate leaders need to act now to stand up for the residents who can't stand up for themselves."