Cops: New York man ran human trafficking, prostitution in Detroit area

(WJBK) - A New York man arrested in Oakland County charged with a string of crimes against women including human trafficking and prostitution.

Investigators say Jonathan Colon from the Bronx, New York, made his way to Michigan to establish a human trafficking operation.

He set up shop in Oakland and Macomb counties but soon investigators caught wind that he was allegedly operating an online escort operation that he was attracting women to join.

"He was selling them for sex," said Roseville Police Chief James Berlin. "He (had) them perform sex acts for money and then he took the proceeds that they earned."

Investigators say Colon would also provide his victims with addictive drugs and force some of the women to stay with him at Detroit area motels.

The Roseville Police Department had several of its officers assigned to the investigation and they worked with other agencies including Michigan State Police and the FBI.

Investigators say Colon was arrested in Madison Heights in the area of 14 Mile and John R and now that he is off the streets, he faces a number of charges.

Those charges include two counts of forced labor and two counts of prostitution, accepting earnings and conducting criminal enterprises.

Investigators say Colon is no stranger to human trafficking and were arrested just last year for the same type of criminal activity.

"I believe it took place in Oakland County separate investigation," Berlin said. "But as a result of that investigation coupled with this one, we were able to identify a whole host of victims and helped us bring additional charges against this individual."

Colon's court date is scheduled for November 30th.

Chief Berlin says if you believe that you are being victimized, there is help available

"There is help out there," Berlin said. "Go to your local police department."