A Warren man has been charged with human trafficking and associated offenses after a woman he was allegedly coercing into prostitution escaped and received help from local businesses and law enforcement. The Oakland County Prosecutor's Office announced the charges against Lawrence Robert Harris-Weaver Jr., 48, of Warren, who now faces serious prison time if convicted.
The ordeal became public when, after being assaulted by Harris-Weaver for refusing to continue in commercial sex work, the victim fled to seek help. As reported by ClickOnDetroit, the woman told authorities that Harris-Weaver had "threatened to kill her if she left."
Lawrence Robert Harris-Weaver was arraigned before 43rd District Court in Madison Heights, according to The Detroit News. Details cite the victim running away from the accused in Madison Heights on July 21, whereupon she encountered the man's wrath after she expressed her refusal to engage in commercial sex work.
In a statement provided by CBS Detroit, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald emphasized the grave nature of these offenses, saying, "Traffickers use manipulation, threats, and physical abuse to rob their victims of any agency." The prosecutor's office acknowledged the woman's courage to escape and the good Samaritans assisting her with getting medical care.
Charges against Harris-Weaver include human trafficking, which could result in up to 15 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine, and prostitution/accepting earnings, potentially bringing up to 20 years of incarceration. His criminal history, as mentioned by The Detroit News, includes past convictions for home invasion, cocaine possession, and assaulting/resisting/obstructing a police officer, indicating a pattern of disregard for the law. A probable cause conference is scheduled for August 6, marking the next step in a case that punctuates the ongoing battle against human exploitation.
