A human trafficking investigation led to the arrest of Rodney Holland, 29, of Ferndale. Holland is charged with human trafficking and prostitution. Authorities said a 49-year-old victim, who had been in a relationship with him for four months, escaped and reported the incident, according to CBS News Detroit. The incident was reported after a domestic dispute at the Red Oak Inn in Southfield. The victim said Holland took her vehicle and cellphone. A driver gave her a ride to the inn, unaware of the situation. Police Chief Elvin Barren said the rescue was due to the driver’s help and the receptionist’s call to the police.
Southfield police found signs of human trafficking. As reported by ClickOnDetroit, "Red flag number one," and "How do you not know your boyfriend’s name? After four months?" The victim only knew Holland as "Mellow" and said she was forced to go on multiple dates with men and was regularly assaulted. The victim is safe and with family.
Holland was arrested at the Detroit Wayne Greenfield Probation Office while meeting with his probation officer. He was on probation for domestic violence and strangulation in Wayne County. Authorities say he used social media to post commercial sex advertisements and may have additional victims in Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. He is charged with human trafficking for forced labor causing injury, transporting a person for prostitution, and accepting earnings from prostitution. His bond was set at $750,000, and his court date is March 17, as per FOX 2 Detroit.
