A five-year investigation into a human-trafficking ring has unearthed harrowing details about the exploitation of at least 24 victims forced to perform sex acts across multiple states. The Franklin-based On the Border strip club has been identified as a central hub of these illicit activities, with a recent unsealing of search warrants shedding light on the depth of wrongdoing within its walls. These findings, reported by WISN 12 News, have led to charges against four men.
Last week, the four accused, manager Brian Hopkins, trafficker Jimmy Durant, and recruiters Dantavia Rule and Maurice Russel were arrested following coordinated raids. One victim was reported to work from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. to meet daily quotas, and women were allegedly coerced to hand over their earnings under the threat of physical harm, according to Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In a statement obtained by FOX6 News, On the Border management expressed their support for the investigation and condemnation of any illegal activities associated with their business.
A deeper dive into the court documents paints a harrowing picture of abuse and manipulation, with prosecutors alleging that Hopkins benefited from commercial sex acts taking place in the club's VIP room. The FOX6 News report details how the investigation, sparked by a tip to the FBI in 2021, encompassed surveillance, undercover operations, and phone tracing. The strip club, as mentioned in these documents, is known for being a place where recruiters could find potential victims. Some of these women were allegedly compelled to work under the control of a pimp, while performing at On the Border.
After Franklin police and city leaders declined to comment on camera, the mayor released a statement saying the city is being briefed by the police department and may review licenses connected to the establishment, according to a report by FOX6 News. Separate investigations in the past have led to charges against individuals with connections to other Wisconsin strip clubs, the FBI mentioned, suggesting a wider web of human trafficking within the state's adult entertainment venues. The collaborative effort between the FBI and local law enforcement seeks to dismantle these operations and bring the perpetrators to justice.
On the Border remains open, and the owners say they are fully cooperating with the investigation. The four men charged are still in jail on cash bond and are scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 29, as per WISN. The City of Franklin is considering its next steps as authorities continue investigating the case.
