Across the country and throughout the world, human trafficking continues to hide in plain sight. Here in the United States, there are still significant portions of the population who aren't readily aware of the extent to which human trafficking happens in society.

There are countless examples to cite. Just last month, Dallas police made multiple arrests after breaking up a sex trafficking ring in Plano. In Central Florida, law enforcement made arrests of over 100 individuals after successful sting operations.

Back in August, a Mississippi sting operation led to multiple individuals being arrested for human trafficking. Just recently in Iowa and in Germany, law enforcement warned of growing human trafficking cases.

This list could continue on and on in perpetuity. Although one of the latest cases comes out of Southfield, Michigan.

Sex trafficking in Oakland County, Michigan

For some time, an unnamed 21-year-old woman went missing. Law enforcement in Michigan remained hard at work to find her. Just recently, Michigan State Police discovered the missing woman forced into sex trafficking at the hands of a 33-year-old she met online.

In typical Romeo pimp fashion, the 33-year-old initially pretended to have a romantic interest in this young woman. Eventually, the man began controlling her phone and forcing her to have sex with men in Marven Gardens Inn and perhaps other hotels.

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While locating the missing 21-year-old woman, police likewise spoke with two girls also located at Marven Gardens Inn. Thus far, this story is still developing; although so many cases like this exist throughout the United States and overseas.

The 33-year-old man is in police custody; however, his methods of preying on victims for human trafficking are far from original.

What society needs to know about "Romeo pimps"

As documented by Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), Romeo pimps commonly use dating apps and social media to find their targets.

Then, they move to romance the person(s) they intend to traffick with dates, gifts, and other steps designed to create a bond. After trust becomes established, Romeo pimps begin to manipulate, control, and isolate their targets.

https://twitter.com/OURrescue/status/1491848263808405522

From here, it only gets worse with abuse and exploitation happening. Romeo pimps will also seek to normalize these crimes in the minds of trafficked persons by telling them it's all part of their relationships together.

Sadly, Romeo pimps are not always easy to recognize in the beginning; this is why raising awareness and ensuring that people know red flags and what to look for matters.

Anyone who wishes to report what they believe to be human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline via phone at 1 (888) 373-7888 or by text at 233733.