Final Victory Inn Defendant Sentenced to Over 15 Years in Prison

DETROIT – Terry Pruitt, a conspirator in the sex and drug trafficking organization that operated out of the former Victory Inn hotel in Dearborn, Michigan, was sentenced to over 15 years in federal prison last week based on his conviction on drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.

Joining Ison in the announcement was Homeland Security Investigations Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar.

This sentencing is the final in the eight-year case in which the following defendants were sentenced to over 116 years collectively.

Darrick Dernard Bell – 28 years
Shelvie Lewis Avery – 19 years
Janette Gaggo Tawfik – 10 years
Michael Anthony Randol – 15 years
Bryant Edward Daugherty – 7 years 3 months
Charles Thomas Ford – 12 years
Harold Lashawn Nero – 9 years 7 months
Terry Pruitt – 15 years 8 months

Pruitt pleaded guilty in March 2021 to charges stemming from the operation of a large-scale drug and prostitution business operating out of the Victory Inn, a motel formerly located next to the main drag for prostitution on Michigan Avenue. Specifically, Pruitt, a longtime drug dealer, helped satiate the demand of the vulnerable human-trafficking victims for crack cocaine and heroin at the Victory Inn. Pruitt engaged in both drug and human trafficking at the motel while co-defendant Darrick Bell’s drug trafficking conspiracy essentially ran the Victory Inn.

“This final sentencing brings to an end the years-long investigation and prosecution of this pernicious drug and sex trafficking organization,” said U.S. Attorney Ison. I want to commend the hard work and dedication of the agents and prosecutors who worked so diligently to bring these individuals to justice.”

“This case spanned 8 years, and thanks to our U.S. Attorney’s office we have the sentencing of the final defendant,” said HSI Detroit Special Agent in Charge Angie M. Salazar. “Throughout this investigation our agents and law enforcement partners remained steadfast in their commitment to those impacted by this criminal organization. I commend our law enforcement team for their perseverance in the pursuit of justice and their dedication to protecting our communities.”

The investigation was conducted by agents of Homeland Security Investigations.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Matthew Roth, Jerome Gorgon, Blake Hatlem, and Lisandra Fernandez-Silber