A Macomb Township couple has been accused of forcing a mentally and physically handicapped woman to live in a shed and perform sex acts for money.
Misty George, 29, and Michael Welch, 38, are being charged with holding a woman captive and selling the victim for sexual services using online advertisements.
WXYZ
According to WXYZ Detroit, the Michigan couple initially allowed the victim to stay inside their trailer park home until she was unable to pay rent. The couple then moved her to an empty shed located near the home and did not allow her to use the bathroom or shower.
Welch allegedly placed several online ads seeking men willing to pay to have sex with the victim. Once the victim left the mobile home park and her family discovered what had occurred, authorities were called, deputies have stated.
Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith says, “Instead of helping this profoundly special-needs person, George and Welch took her support money, forced her to live rough in an outside shed, and sold her as a prostitute.”
“As your heart breaks for this vulnerable woman, your conscience is shocked by the abusive cruelty one human being is capable of showing to another,” said Smith.
According to FOX 2, Welch attempted to escape when entering the Sheriff’s vehicle and a brief foot chase ensued. He was quickly captured and returned to the Macomb County Jail.
Yet to be confirmed is how the victim knew the couple or how long she was kept inside the shed. Sgt. Renee Yax of the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office told the Detroit Free Press that the incident “spanned over a couple-month period.”
Welch and George appeared before a judge on charges of human trafficking and accepting prostitution earnings. Welch is being held on a $50,000 bond and George, who was also charged with a computer crime, is being held on a $75,000 bond.
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