Man & woman charged with Human Trafficking, accused of enslaving 18-year-old girl as stripper

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WXYZ) - Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette's office announced human trafficking charges against two people Monday in relation to a case in Southfield.

Taryn Johnson and Vinson Alexander are accused of enslaving a 18-year-old girl and forcing her to work as a stripper in southeast Michigan since December.

Officials say Johnson recruited the woman with promises of a good salary. However, investigators say, Alexander took all of her money and used threats and violence to keep control of the girl.

Alexander is also accused of violently assaulting the girl on February 21.

The 27-year-old Johnson is from Tennessee. She has been charged with one count of Human Trafficking - Recruiting for Forced Labor. The charge carries a 10 year prison sentence if she is convicted.

The 30-year-old Alexander is from Florida. He has been charged with one count of Human Trafficking - Forced Labor for a Commercial Sex Act, one count of Human Trafficking - Forced Labor Causing Serious Physical Harm, one count of Human Trafficking - Financially Benefiting from a Human Trafficking Venture, one count of Criminal Enterprises - Acquire/Maintain (Racketeering) and one count of Torture. He faces up to life in prison if convicted on all charges.

Johnson and Alexander were arrested in Southfield on February 22 and they were arraigned in 46th District Court on February 25.

Alexander's bond was set at $1,000,000, Johnson's bond was set at $750,000.

They are due back in court on March 1.

For resources on identifying signs of human trafficking or reporting a potential case of trafficking, click here for the state attorney general's website.