Tip Leads To Sex Trafficking Charges For Sterling Heights Man
SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - Authorities say a tip from a potential victim of sex trafficking led to the arrest of a Sterling Heights man for allegedly forcing a 17-year-old girl into prostitution in Southfield.
Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said Friday that Andrew Golden was arraigned on one count of human trafficking – recruiting a minor for commercial sexual activity. Bond was set at $200,000 ahead of a pre-exam conference on Dec. 29.
"Human Trafficking is very real and it happens closer to home than many realize," Southfield Police Chief Eric Hawkins said in a statement. "I was glad to see a dangerous individual taken off the street. Our department will continue to work with all levels of law enforcement to eradicate human trafficking in our community."
Scheutte says the charges are a result of a tip received by Ohio authorities on Dec. 13. The tip came from a 15-year-old girl who was found in Pennsylvania earlier in the week who reported she had been picked up in New Jersey several weeks prior by Golden and the minor victim. Golden allegedly stated that he would be taking them to Michigan to be posted online for commercial sex.
On Dec. 14, Scheutte says agents found a posting on the website Backpage advertising "adult entertainment: escorts" that allegedly matched the description of the minor in question. Agents conducted an undercover operation to rescue the girl on the same day Golden was arrested at a hotel in Southfield.
If convicted as charged, Golden could spend the next 20 years in prison.
