DETROIT – Police from several jurisdictions and federal authorities executed a search warrant last month at the Victory Inn motel on Michigan Avenue in Detroit and the fruits of their investigation allege it was the location of a criminal enterprise that engaged in sex trafficking, among other illegal activities.
The warrant was executed during the early morning hours of Jan. 12. Michigan Avenue was closed for hours between Wyoming Avenue and Weir Street as police set up perimeters and searched the property.
Criminal complaints charge two people with a number of crimes.
Michael Anthony Randol, also known as “Man” or “The Man,” is charged with the following:
- Conspiracy to commit offense or to defraud the United States
- Possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
- Distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death or serious bodily injury
- Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
- Continuing criminal enterprise
- Sex trafficking
Bryant Edward Daugherty is charged being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Authorities had received a number of complaints about the Victory Inn. One person interviewed by law enforcement said it was common knowledge that drugs could be bought at the motel and that a person could ask any woman “working” Michigan Avenue where to get drugs, and her answer would be the Victory Inn.
According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court, authorities received information about a possible victim of human trafficking who was being treated in the emergency room at Detroit Receiving Hospital after ingesting heroin. She told police that she was carrying drugs for an individual whom she knew as “Tone,” and she ingested it when she encountered law enforcement. She told police that Tone was a drug dealer and a pimp who provided drugs to his prostitutes so they would continue to conduct commercial sex dates.
She also said staff members at the hotel were aware of the drug and sex trade and facilitated some of the criminal activity.
Surveillance began on the hotel and a number of traffic stops were made after short-term visitor traffic was observed in various hotel rooms.
One traffic stop led to information about Randol who was believed to be a drug dealer living in room 2016 at the hotel. A number of sources told law enforcement that they purchased heroin and crack cocaine from Randol.
A federal search warrant was obtained and executed by a multi-agency enforcement effort led by Homeland Security investigators. Homeland Security, Customs and Border Patrol, Detroit police, Dearborn police and Taylor police were involved.
Daugherty was in room 203 when the search warrant was executed. Authorities said he made movements consistent with fleeing from police. A .38 special revolver was found in the room.
“In 2016, we serviced 115 police runs to the exact address and more to the surrounding area,” a Detroit police spokesman said on the day of the warrant’s execution. “The address has had two shootings, numerous aggravated assaults, robberies and two homicides where the victims were traced back to the Victory Inn. The location is a notorious spot for narcotic and human trafficking, which drives crime issues in the area.”
Randol's previous convictions include:
- 1991: felony stolen property and breaking and entering an occupied dwelling
- 1993: felony delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance
- 1993: felony firearms violations
- 1997: felony possession of a controlled substance
- 2002: felony delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance
- 2007: felony delivery or manufacture of a controlled substance
- 2010: felony breaking and entering
- 2012: misdemeanor operating without a license
Daugherty has a previous conviction in 1992 for criminal sexual conduct.
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