Man calls teen sex trafficking accusations a 'misunderstood situation'
REDFORD, Mich. (WJBK) - A man accused of sex trafficking a teenage girl calls the situation misunderstood in a letter asking the court for bond.
The court received on Aug. 24 a letter from Malik McCaster, a Detroit area man accused of kidnapping a 15-year-old girl and forcing her into having sex with men for money at the Gemini Motel on Plymouth Road in Redford Township.
His charges are sex trafficking of children or by force, fraud or coercion, sexual exploitation of children and the production of child pornography.
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In the letter, McCaster claims he's enrolled in Schoolcraft College for digital media and computer software, and employed at Chumack Roofing Company. He cites this, along with a 3-year-old daughter and two younger brothers to look after, as reasons he should be given a bond.
"I just ask that you try to understand a good man in a misunderstood situation," he wrote. "I also have a birthday coming up on August 31 and this would be the best birthday a 21-year-old innocent (man) could ask for."
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McCaster goes on to promise if allowed out on bond, he'd attend every court hearing and would even wear a GPS tether.
Police say on July 3, a 15-year-old girl from Sanilac County ran away from home and went to the Warren fireworks. Through a friend she met McCaster, who she asked for a ride home.
He's accused of kidnapping the teen and taking her to a Detroit home, where he videotaped sexual relations with her a posted nude photos on Craigslist. He listed her as available for adult services under the name "Joy."
McCaster allegedly took the teen to the Gemini Motel in Redford to meet with clients. She was able to escape, and ran to a nearby room, pleading with the person inside to help her.
The National Human Trafficking Resource Center: 1-888-373-7888.
SMS: 233733 (Text HELP or INFO). Website: https://humantraffickinghotline.org/