It is the latest stark example of how Troy Police Department's putative enforcement method of the Michigan Prostitution statutes: arresting only the alleged prostitute(s) and letting the alleged Johns walk "scot-free" compares to neighboring law enforcement. Even in the often maligned (usually unfairly) City of Detroit, johns and panderers are investigated, arrested, charged and otherwise held accountable for their actions within the city limits. Troy's stated policy is not the policy of neighboring jurisdictions in Michigan. Recently, the Wayne County Sheriff Department SIU, under the leadership of Sheriff Evans, conducted a sting operation against a home and its occupants in Southwest Detroit, Michigan on December 7, 2008. Undercover officers infiltrated the activity - obtained a search warrant (not relying on far flung case law and poorly understood "exceptions" to the 4th Amendment requirement) and effectuated their arrests against the entire operation.
As reported by the Detroit News:
Sheriff: Detroit mom hosted sex party using underage girls
George Hunter / The Detroit News
"DETROIT -- A 39-year-old woman was arrested early this morning after allegedly hosting a sex party that involved two 16-year-old girls -- one of whom was the woman's daughter -- and 19 prostitutes. The woman charged $15 cover charge for the party in her home on Cherrylawn near Curtis on Detroit's west side, Wayne County Sheriff Warren Evans said. ***
Evans said officers who executed the search warrant were surprised to find out the mother of one of the underage girls was hosting the party. *** When officers raided the home, they found the two underage girls dancing partially nude. There were about 20 adult men inside the home; in addition to the $15 cover charge, they paid whatever each prostitute charged for sex, Evans said. It is not clear whether either of the underage girls were offering sex for money. 'It's pretty safe to assume that it would have lead to (prostitution) eventually in that environment," Evans said. "Thankfully, we were able to shut this party down before things got that far.' Most of the prostitutes and johns were ticketed and released, but the girl's mother was arrested, as were three men who were involved in operating the party, Evans said. All face charges of Operating a House of Illegal Occupation, but the mother likely will face additional charges. *** Police also confiscated three handguns and marijuana, ecstasy pills and heroin, along with several hundred dollars in cash. The money is believed to be proceeds from the party. Approximately 10 vehicles also were impounded." You can reach George Hunter at (313) 222-2134 or ghunter@detnews.com.
Of course, many critics have argued that Troy SIU would never have allowed a "little person" to walk away after confessing to their crime as they did Thomas Athans on February 26, 2008, however, it should be noted that Troy SIU conducted a similar raid to their February 26, 2008, operation in May 2008, and in that instance released the johns "scot free" and arrested and charged the two alleged prostitutes.
In a bizarre, shameful and inappropriate twist, the police proudly displayed tables to the television media festooned with condoms and lubricants, reminiscent of displays when a large drug cache seizure had taken place. Mothers throughout the broadcast area of the local network (WDIV) were left to explain to their small children the meaning of the artistically arranged sex items, displayed as if merchandised for sale. The poor judgment of this action was reinforced by the poor judgment of the television media, which broadcast the ill conceived public relations fiasco.
The Wayne County Sheriff Department should be congratulated on their raid. This operation was a job well done. Responsible law enforcement was conducted in a logical, reasonable and efficient manner. Next the judicial system will sort things out for the well being of these prostituted women, proceed in the forfeiture of the automobiles involved, deal with, punish and educate the johns, and look after the underage 16 year old daughter, rather then officers at the scene dispensing "street justice" and letting the johns go "scot free" in their cars and home to their families.
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