SOUTHFIELD, Mich. — Two people have been arrested in Southfield on charges of running a human trafficking operation, authorities said, and may be linked to additional crimes across the Metro Detroit area.
Jowuan Lawrence Shorter, 30, of Inkster, and Kylee Lynn Berry, 27, of Connellsville, were arraigned Monday in 46th District Court in Southfield. Both face charges of operating a human trafficking enterprise, a 15-year felony, and accepting earnings of prostitution, a 20-year felony. Berry also faces a charge of possession of a controlled substance.
Each suspect is being held on a $50,000 bond.
The arrests followed a Saturday incident at the Radisson Hotel, when a 47-year-old Detroit man reported being robbed by two men after meeting Berry, a sex worker, in a hotel room. Authorities said a gun was implied, and the victim was forced to give up $400 before all three left the room together.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force, assisted by the Southfield Police Department Tactical Crimes Suppression Unit, executed search warrants for two hotel rooms. Investigators recovered suspected cocaine and fentanyl, as well as evidence supporting human trafficking allegations.
Undersheriff Tim Willis said investigators believe the suspects have connections to crimes in Bloomfield Township, Canton, and Romulus, and potentially other states.
Sheriff Michael Bouchard praised the collaborative efforts between Southfield police and the task force, emphasizing the importance of public awareness in spotting signs of human trafficking, which can include coercion and forced labor beyond sex work.
Authorities also noted that a third man connected to the case was arrested. The investigation remains ongoing.
