DICKINSON COUNTY, Mich. (WLUK) — Seven men, including two from Green Bay, have been formally charged following a large-scale human trafficking and child exploitation sting conducted in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office announced that the multi-day operation took place from Oct. 8–12, involving numerous local law enforcement agencies, as well as Homeland Security Investigations, a division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Authorities said the operation focused on individuals allegedly involved in the sexual exploitation of children and vulnerable adults, using a variety of investigative techniques to identify both suspects and potential victims.
Following arraignments, officials released the names of the accused:
Nicholas J. Krackenberger, 29, Iron Mountain, Michigan
David A. Bailey, 45, Green Bay
Kelsey L. Nurbank, 29, Kingsford, Michigan
Guy A. Ruder, 51, Tomahawk
Joseph S. Peters, 41, Green Bay
John C. Coughlin, 61, Iron Mountain, Michigan
Dennis W. Zuern, 65, Iron Mountain, Michigan
Each man faces multiple felony charges, including:
Child sexually abusive activity
Use of a computer to commit child sexually abusive activity
Use of a computer to accost a child for immoral purposes
Accosting a child for immoral purposes
The first two charges carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while the remaining charges carry potential sentences of seven years and four years, respectively. Some charges may be served consecutively, at the discretion of the court. Convictions on certain counts would also require sex offender registration.
This marked the first operation of its kind in Dickinson County. Investigative journalist Chris Hansen and his TruBlu film crew documented portions of the sting to raise awareness about online exploitation and human trafficking.
Law enforcement officials urge the public to report suspicious activity to local authorities or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or by texting HELP to 233733.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that trafficking and exploitation occur not only in large cities but also in small towns and rural communities, often through everyday social media platforms and messaging apps.
“Community awareness and parental involvement are among the strongest tools we have to prevent exploitation,” officials said.
