4 Sentenced In Drug, Human Trafficking Ring

LANSING, MI – Four people were sentenced Tuesday to up to 20 years each for their involvement in a drug and human trafficking ring in Warren, Madison Heights Southfield, announced Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette in a statement.

Those sentenced are:

• Melvin Niblett, 38, of Southfield, pleaded guilty to pleaded guilty conspiracy to deliver cocaine or heroin and three counts of human trafficking/forced labor, sentenced to 78 months to 20 years in prison;
• Corey Cooper, 45, no address given, pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to deliver, sentenced to 66 months to 20 years in prison;
• Maurice Rushton, 57, no address given, pleaded guilty to human trafficking/procuring person for forced labor, sentenced to 19 months to 10 years in prison; and
• Jasmin McGinnis, 27, of Canton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to deliver cocaine or heroin and human trafficking/procuring person for forced labor; sentenced to 29 months to 20 years in prison.

According to the statement from Schuette's office, the case dates back to September 2016 when FBI agents were tipped off to suspected drug and prostitution ring in Madison Heights. While under investigation, Niblett and Cooper were caught selling drugs in Warren and charged in a separate but related case by Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith. Niblett and Cooper were later released on bond.

Then, in October 2016, police received a tip that Niblett was using rooms at a hotel in Southfield to conduct his drug and human trafficking operation. While dozens of individuals were involved, Niblett is alleged to have been at the top of the operation. Niblett and the others were arrested and charged with a total of 24 felonies in July.

Images provided by Michigan State Attorney General's office