CALHOUN COUNTY, MI (WTVB) -A significant multi-agency human trafficking enforcement operation in Calhoun County led to the detention of multiple individuals after undercover officers communicated with nearly 60 people seeking to exchange money or contraband for sex.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi (NHBP) Tribal Police, resulted in the arrest of a college professor from a major Michigan university and another suspect who was on federal probation for child pornography.
Both men were lodged in the Calhoun County Jail as authorities continued to execute search warrants for digital evidence, including cellphone and social media data.
The success of the operation was attributed to the high level of cooperation between regional law enforcement partners.
The Branch County Sheriff’s Office and the Coldwater Police Department provided critical assistance in the sting, working alongside other agencies like the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department and the SouthWest Enforcement Team (SWET).
The names of those arrested and or detained have not been released nor have the charges as the investigation is ongoing. It’s also unclear if or how many of those detained may be from Branch County.
In addition to the arrests, officials emphasized a victim-centered approach; one woman who arrived at the scene was provided with access to social service resources to help break the cycle of exploitation.
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