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HERRIMAN — Criminal charges were filed Tuesday against a Herriman man accused of forcing a woman into prostitution during what investigators called "a long and violent history" with her.
Michel Braden Stump, 38, is charged in 3rd District Court with aggravated human trafficking, a first-degree felony; engaging in a pattern of unlawful activity and drug possession with intent to distribute, second-degree felonies; two counts of child endangerment, three counts of drug distribution, and four counts of drug possession with intent to distribute, third-degree felonies; and possession of drug paraphernalia, a class B misdemeanor.
The investigation by the Utah Attorney General's Office began in March. A woman told investigators she met Stump in 2009 when they worked in the same store. Their relationship allegedly became abusive not long after.
"From 2010-2016, Stump forced her to work in the commercial sex industry," according to the charging documents, which also say Stump used several social media apps to arrange for other men to engage in sexual activities with the woman.
"During this time, Stump also physically and sexually assaulted her and police were called on numerous occasions," the charges state. "Many of these fights occurred because Stump insisted she participate in threesome or group sex parties with him and she did not want to."
While in the hospital in 2010 due to complications with her pregnancy, Stump sexually assaulted her, the charges allege.
Stump drove her to an escort service in Salt Lake City and made her fill out a job application. She was fired, however, after refusing to engage in sex with her first client, the charges state. Three days later, Stump made her get a job at another escort service.
"(The woman) felt forced and coerced to work there and she was afraid of Stump because of his prior assaults against her. While working at (the escort service), Stump would set a dollar amount of money that (she) would need to earn each night and if she did not meet the threshold amount, Stump would 'strip, beat, and lock (her) in a closet,'" according to the charges.
In September and October, undercover agents made several drug purchases from Stump at his home, according to the charges. That led to investigators obtaining a search warrant for his Herriman residence where police say distributable amounts of drugs were seized. He was arrested on Oct. 4.
"Stump and (the woman) have a long and violent history," a police booking affidavit states. (The woman) has reported to (investigators), and based upon multiple other police reports, that Stump has assaulted her on multiple occasions."
Prosecutors have requested that Stump remain in the Salt Lake County Jail without the possibility of posting bail pending trial.
