Friday, September 22, 2023

PONTIAC, Mich. - On September 21, 2023, an Oakland County jury convicted 52-year-old Richard Coleman of all eleven felony charges brought against him by the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, including multiple counts of Human Trafficking, First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, Third Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, and Maintaining a Drug House.

Charges were brought against Coleman after a law enforcement sting identified two victims who disclosed that they were being trafficked by Coleman. Over the course of the investigation, over 20 women were identified as having been abused and trafficked by Coleman. Throughout the eight-day trial, the People called 14 witnesses, including multiple victims. Twelve jurors deliberated one day before reaching their unanimous verdict, finding Coleman guilty as charged on all counts. The prosecution team was led by Cindy Brown, who heads the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office Trafficking Unit.

"Human trafficking is the worst kind of exploitation. Traffickers prey on vulnerable victims and make it nearly impossible for them to break free. Unfortunately, human trafficking is far more prevalent in our community than people know,” stated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. “I commend the courageous victims who found the strength to disclose the abuse and testify against their trafficker, so that others might be spared the same fate. This conviction would not have been possible without the tremendous efforts of Cindy Brown and the dedicated officers and investigators who relentlessly pursued this case.”

Prosecutor McDonald formed the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office Trafficking Unit in 2021 to take on these challenging cases, and recently sought additional funding to address this widespread, under-reported epidemic.

First Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct is a felony punishable by life imprisonment or any term of years. Prostitution/Accepting Earnings is a felony punishable by up to 20 years imprisonment. Human Trafficking Enterprise Resulting in Injury/Commercial Sexual Activity is a felony punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $15,000. Criminal Sexual Conduct – Third Degree (Force or Coercion) is a felony punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment. Controlled Substances – Maintaining a Drug House is a high misdemeanor punishable by two years imprisonment and/or up to a $25,000 fine.

Coleman will remain in the Oakland County Jail until sentencing, which is set for October 31, 2023, at 12:30 pm before Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Matthews.

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Contact: ocpomedia@oakgov.com