Domestic Servitude2008
United States US
Joseph and Evelyn Djoumessi brought the victim, a 14-year old girl from Cameroon, to the U.S. in October 1996 to work against her will as a domestic servant in their home. The victim took care of the couple's children, cleaned the home, and was beaten in make sure she performed her duties. Joseph also sexually abused the victim. The victim worked for the couple until February 2000.
Sex Trafficking2011
United States US
Mitchell faces charges that could land him in prison for life, including two counts of human trafficking, three counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct, racketeering, counts of prostitution, felonious assault and felony firearms. The specific charges are: • Two counts of Human Trafficking - Threats of Physical Harm Causing Injury (Involving Criminal Sexual Conduct), a felony punishable by life in prison; • One count of Criminal Sexual Conduct - First Degree (Personal Injury), a felony punishable by life in prison; • Two counts of Criminal Sexual Conduct - First Degree (Relationship), a felony punishable by life in prison; • One count of Conducting Criminal Enterprises (Racketeering), a 20-year felony; • Two counts of Prostitution/Pandering, a 20-year felony; • Two counts of Prostitution - Accepting Earnings, a 20-year felony; • One count of Felonious Assault, a four-year felony; • One count of Felony Firearm - Second Offense, a 5-year felony; and, • One count of Felon in Possession of Firearm, a 5-year felony. A Michigan law banning human trafficking was strengthened in 2010 and went into effect in April 2011. The changes include adding trafficking to the list of offenses include under the state's racketeering law. It authorizes additional compensation for trafficking victims and stronger penalties.
Sex Trafficking2005
United States US
Nine people worked to traffic Eastern European women to work as exotic dancers in Detroit-area strip clubs. Michail Aronov is believed to be the leader of the operation. The group used the business Beauty Search, Inc. as a cover to recruit women. The victims were then smuggled into the U.S. and forced to work as dancers in the clubs. The business partners referred to their plan for intimidation as “The System.” This involved taking the victims’ passports, imposing debts and monetary penalties, enforcing strict rules, and physical and verbal violence and threats. They also threatened to expose the victims as illegal immigrants. An escaped victim’s car was firebombed and used as a threat to others as the consequences of escape.