News Summary
A 32-year-old man has been charged with multiple offenses related to the human trafficking of a missing 17-year-old girl in Detroit. Robert Dante Champion faces grave allegations, including human trafficking, and has been assigned a bond of $500,000. The girl was safely recovered after an investigation revealed her advertisements online. The case underscores the ongoing issue of human trafficking, especially involving minors, in Michigan.
Detroit Man Charged with Human Trafficking of Missing 17-Year-Old Girl
Detroit, MI – A 32-year-old man, Robert Dante Champion, has been charged with multiple offenses related to the human trafficking of a 17-year-old girl who had been reported missing. The charges against Champion include human trafficking, accepting earnings from prostitution, transporting a person for the purpose of prostitution, and possessing child sexually abusive material. He was arraigned in the 46th District Court in Southfield, where he was assigned a bond of $500,000 cash/surety.
Discovery and Recovery of the Victim
The Michigan State Police’s Trafficking and Abduction Group (TAG) initiated an investigation after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding a minor female believed to be a target of sex trafficking in the Metro Detroit area on March 31, 2025. Detectives identified the victim as a girl who had been reported missing from Detroit.
Following the tip, investigators found multiple commercial sex advertisements online linked to the girl. They were able to locate a video posted by the teen that confirmed she had been seen in Southfield, Michigan. On April 10, 2025, law enforcement located the girl in the basement of an apartment complex in Troy, Michigan, along with two unrelated individuals—one of whom was on probation and in possession of a firearm. Upon her discovery, the girl was safely returned to her family.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The case has been forwarded to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for further review and prosecution. Robert Dante Champion’s next court appearance is scheduled for June 2, 2025.
Context of Human Trafficking in Michigan
Human trafficking remains a significant issue in Michigan, with many cases concerning minors being reported annually. The Michigan State Police and several non-profit organizations work diligently to combat this growing crisis, raising public awareness about the signs of trafficking and the importance of reporting suspected incidents.
In recent years, the state has seen increased efforts to tackle human trafficking through legislation, education, and strategic partnerships among law enforcement, community organizations, and government agencies. These efforts aim to not only protect potential victims but also to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Conclusion
The charges against Champion highlight the ongoing challenges faced in combating human trafficking, particularly involving minors, and underscore the importance of continued vigilance and action by both law enforcement and community members. Authorities encourage anyone with information regarding human trafficking or missing persons to report it promptly to assist in the protection of vulnerable individuals.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press: Missing Persons Reports
- Wikipedia: Human Trafficking in the United States
- CBS News: Detroit Man Charged with Trafficking
- Google Search: Human Trafficking Michigan
- Fox 2 Detroit: Missing Teen Found
- Google Scholar: Human Trafficking Michigan
- Click On Detroit: Charged in Human Trafficking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Trafficking
- Detroit News: Teen Sex Trafficking Victim
- Google News: Missing Persons Detroit
