Sex Trafficker Sentenced to 17.5 years in prison

DETROIT -For years, Quiyemabi Summerlin preyed on drug addicted women and lured them into his basement with false promises. Once there, he supplied them with heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine, and forced them to engage in endless commercial sex acts. At times, Summerlin used violence to ensure his victims' compliance. He also raped several of his victims.

Summerlin, 45, of Detroit, was sentenced to 17.5 years for sex trafficking using force and coercion, maintaining a drug premises, and felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison. Ison was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Cheyvoryea Gibson of FBI Detroit.

"This defendant treated his victims like commodities," stated U.S. Attorney Ison. "He targeted vulnerable women and exploited them for his own profit. He manipulated his victims' drug addictions and provided them with a constant supply of heroin and crack cocaine. He built a business through violence and coercion without regard to the consequences for other human lives."

"Sex trafficking, violent acts and coercion are never acceptable and will be meticulously investigated by members of FBI Michigan, including local law enforcement partners assigned to the FBI's Southeast Michigan Trafficking and Exploitation Crimes (SEMTEC) Task Force," said Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan. "The sentencing of Quiyemabi Summerlin is a testament of the diligent work performed by the men and women of the FBI and the thorough prosecution from the United States Attorney's Office of Eastern Michigan. Mr. Summerlin's sentencing is an important next step in healing to those victimized by his heinous and deplorable actions."

Summerlin pleaded guilty to trafficking three victims. During the investigation, the FBI identified 25 women that stayed in Summerlin's home for some period of time, performing commercial sex acts at his direction.

The case was investigated by special agents of the FBI and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Sara D. Woodward and Tara Hindelang.