Novi, MI – Javonte Odom, a 30-year-old resident of Toledo, Ohio, was arraigned in Novi’s 52-1 District Court on six charges, including human trafficking of a minor for commercial sexual activity. The charges stem from a recent incident in which Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers discovered Odom driving a vehicle on the morning of November 2, with two teenage girls inside.
The incident occurred around 3 a.m. when MSP troopers stopped to assist a vehicle on eastbound I-96 near Old Plank Road, close to Wixom and New Hudson. While engaging in a conversation with Odom and the teenagers, aged 19 and 16, the troopers became suspicious as none of their stories seemed to match up. This led the troopers to dig deeper into the situation, uncovering that one of the girls had been reported missing from a group home in Ohio.
Further investigation revealed that Odom and the girls had been staying at a hotel near the location of the traffic stop. The troopers then transported the three individuals to the MSP post for continued investigation, and they also informed the Second District Special Investigation Section, Trafficking and Abduction Group (TAG).
TAG detectives discovered that Odom and the girls had traveled through several states, although the specific locations were not disclosed. Search warrants were executed on phones and the driver’s vehicle, leading to the discovery of several commercial sex advertisements, including one posted from the side of I-96, according to MSP. Additionally, evidence of child sexual abuse material was found.
An investigator’s report was submitted to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for review, while the 19-year-old woman received assistance with getting her car repaired and was released.
The 16-year-old girl was turned over to Child Protective Services (CPS) in Toledo. Javonte Odom now faces the following charges:
- Human trafficking of a minor for commercial sexual activity
- Transporting a person for the purpose of prostitution
- Child sexually abusive activity
- Using a computer to commit a crime
- Distributing child sexually abusive material
- Possession of child sexually abusive material
Odom’s bond has been set at $500,000. The case underscores the importance of vigilant law enforcement efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals.
