David P. Gelios, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Division, along with the U.S. Attorney’s Office-Eastern District of Michigan, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, and Michigan State Police, announced on Tuesday, October 13, 2015 the results of the local efforts of Operation Cross Country IX. The initiative is a national program spearheaded by the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, along with state and local law enforcement partners across the country, targeting the criminal enterprises responsible for the commercial sex trafficking of children.

The Detroit operation was among the most successful in the country. In the Detroit metro area, 19 underage victims were recovered, and 12 pimps were arrested as part of the takedown.

Michigan State Police Captain Monica Yesh said, “The Michigan State Police continue to support the efforts to combat human trafficking and rescue victims from the manipulation and constraints of suspects who take advantage of vulnerable children and adults in our community. Our department is committed to working with our law enforcement partners enforcing human trafficking laws and arresting the suspects who facilitate these horrific acts.”

FBI Detroit Division Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios said, “Our office is pleased with the success of the operation in metro Detroit, but we, along with all of our law enforcement partners, do not stop here. This is all part of an ongoing effort to continue to free victims of human trafficking, and arrest the individuals that commit these crimes.”

This was a joint investigation by the FBI Detroit Field Office and the members of SEMCAC (Southeast Michigan Crimes Against Children Task Force), which include Michigan State Police, Detroit Police Department, Washtenaw County Sheriff, Southfield Police Department, Livonia Police Department, Dearborn Police Department, and Roseville Police Department. These agencies were assisted by Wayne County Sheriff, Kent County Sheriff, Romulus Police Department, Macomb County Sheriff, Ottawa County Sheriff, and the Michigan Department of Corrections.

Related story and raw footage:
- Operation Cross Country: Recovering Victims of Child Sex Trafficking