2 Arrested In Oakland County Human Trafficking Case: Sheriff

SOUTHFIELD, MI — Two people are facing multiple charges in connection with a human trafficking case in Oakland County, according to the sheriff's office.

Jowuan Lawrence Shorter, 30, of Inkster and Kylee Lynn Berry, 27, of Connelsville, Pennsylvania, were arrested Saturday at a Southfield hotel.

They were each charged with operating a human trafficking enterprise (15-year felony) and accepting earnings of prostitution (20-year felony). Berry was also charged with possession of a controlled substance.

They were both placed in jail with a $50,000 bond.

Officials said a 47-year-old Detroit man told officers he went to the hotel Saturday morning to meet with a sex worker. While inside the hotel, he told police that two men robbed him.

Officers arrived and arrested Shorter and Berry in connection with the incident, officials said.

Investigators then obtained two search warrants for the two rooms at the hotel and found suspected cocaine and fentanyl, along with evidence supporting human trafficking.

Officials said Shorter and Berry each have an extensive criminal history. They also believe they are connected to crimes in Bloomfield Township, Canton and Romulus.

Officials did not name the specific hotel where the incident happened. They are also looking for a third man in the case.

"Our collective anti-human trafficking efforts continue to grow with our strong partnerships across the area," Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. "In this case, Southfield police were integral in their efforts, communication and teamwork. With this combined focus, people were identified and arrested on charges of human trafficking. This modern-day scourge must be rooted out and perpetrators held to account. I am proud of our task force’s efforts."

Police ask anyone who has been a victim of human trafficking or know of someone who is to call the Human Trafficking tip line at 248-858-0411 or your local police.