A routine investigation into identity theft in Detroit gave way to something more sinister after police uncovered a scene that's usually seen in crime television shows, filled with polygamy, child pornography and a woman chained to a stripper pole.
The man at the center of it all, 32-year-old Ryon Travis, was arrested March 2 after the discovery. More than a month later, on April 4, he was made to answer for his crimes and was arraigned in U.S. District Court on one count each of sex trafficking by coercion and producing, possessing and transporting child pornography.
This sequence of events began as a simple fraud and identity theft investigation by West Bloomfield police. Travis had been under investigation by authorities for the aforementioned crimes when they executed a search warrant at his home March 2. This was when police saw the first signs that indicated something was not right - three women were in the house that day, all of whom were referred to by Travis as his "wives."
During that sweep, police found two cell phones, which reportedly belonged to Travis, and the content on the phones only served to add more fuel to the fire. Authorities discovered numerous photos on the phones of children younger than 12, including pictures depicting an adult male engaging in sexual intercourse with a young girl while laying on a distinctive blue-and-white sheet. To their horror, a sheet matching that one was located in the house and later confiscated with everything else that was found.
Police returned March 21 to conduct a second sweep of Travis' home. This time, they discovered a 25-year-old woman who had been chained to a stripper pole. According to court documents, after she was unchained, she revealed she had been a prisoner in the house for the past two years, spending the past two weeks in chains. She reportedly tried to escape from the house, but was caught by Travis, prompting him to beat her and hold her in bondage.
She also gave testimony that led a federal prosecutor to exclaim in court: "This was, essentially, a brothel or a house of prostitution."
Travis had reportedly used the women for his own gratification, as well as monetary gain. The woman revealed that Travis would post ads on the Internet advertising that he had four women for sale. Clients would come to his house and Travis would line the women up, allowing the men to choose one and then presumably have their way with them - after paying him in cash, of course. Furthermore, the woman revealed that Travis would take her to the bank every month to cash her $700 Social Security disability check, only to take the money for himself once the process was complete.
Appearing in court at a March 23 detention hearing, Travis cited his religious beliefs and argued that not only should his lawyer be dismissed, but the case should be dismissed as a whole. The judge denied his request and ordered him detained until trial.
Fast forward to Monday and Travis appeared in chains akin to the ones he held his victim in just a month ago. He pleaded not guilty and was transported back to jail to await trial for his charges, which carry a 15-year to life sentence if convicted.
Speaking to reporters, U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade stated: "Sex trafficking occurs all around us, and the victims are sometimes hiding in plain sight. The victims often feel powerless to flee because the trafficker exerts power over them - physical violence, threats, drugs, fear of arrest - or even shame."
She noted, however, that an educated public is key to helping to put an end to such cases.
"An educated public can help law enforcement rescue individuals in these situations and ensure those committing these acts are brought to justice," McQuade said.
There has been no mention of when Travis' trial will begin.
