Oakland County has made a significant breakthrough in its fight against human trafficking with the arrest of a 61-year-old Redford Township man, Damon Napier. As reported by The Detroit News, Napier is accused of trafficking two area women, using drugs to force them into prostitution. Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard, alongside county prosecutor's office officials and other agencies, unveiled the results of the half-year-long task force's work at a Thursday press conference.
Napier, whose criminal behavior spans from January 2019 to as recent as April 2023, faces an array of charges with multiple counts of human trafficking, transportation for prostitution, and criminal sexual conduct. Despite having a criminal record involving kidnapping and drugs, Napier was running under the community's radar. In a statement obtained by FOX 2 Detroit, Sheriff Bouchard emphasized that drugs are a "common component of human trafficking," used as a mechanism of control over the victims. He noted that "it is a crime that does not have a particular victim."
This inaugural success for the newly formed Oakland County Human Trafficking Task Force originated from a 2023 missing person case out of Madison Heights, which led to the exposure of Napier's operation. The Detroit News reports that Napier is currently held on a $500,000 bond and could face up to 180 years in prison if convicted of all charges. His arrest sheds light on the rampant issue of human trafficking, which often remains hidden from public view.
The community plays a vital role in identifying and reporting suspected human trafficking cases. Sheriff Bouchard urged residents to look for signs such as a lack of freedom, communication devices, or personal identification, which can be indicative of trafficking. Meanwhile, providing details obtained by Click On Detroit, investigators believe there are more victims in this case and encourage anyone with information to call the National Human Trafficking hotline. Authorities warn, the breadth and depth of trafficking incidents remain hard to quantify, with cartels often deeply involved across borders, as well as cases being homegrown.
In the absence of additional funding, the task force continues its operations through resources from the participating agencies. Oakland County Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Williams reiterated the importance of not viewing victims of human trafficking as part of the problem, emphasizing the dedication to prosecuting such serious cases. As the task force anticipates more agencies to join, its mission to apprehend individuals exploiting others remains a thorough, community-involved effort.
