Washtenaw County Prosecutor announces that the office will no longer prosecute charges for consensual sex work

WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office will no longer prosecute charges against those who work consensually in the sex industry.

“We are focused on crimes that really harm the community,” said Washtenaw County District Attorney Eli Savit.

The charges will not be made against consensual sex workers, officials said.

“We are saying that we are not consensually charging for merely exchanging sex for money,” said Savit.

The prosecutor will still work on cases against human traffickers and those who may be detaining people against their will.

Sandra Ramocan works closely with sex workers at the organization “Alternative for Girls” and she believes it is a step in the right direction – as long as sex is fully consensual.

“As an agency, we say that we think this is a good thing, you know, because, as we are working with these survivors of sex work, they are coming to us to get some services. These criminal records follow them, ”said Ramocan.

“I have no tolerance for human traffickers. They will be a priority in our prosecution. We will go after them. This policy aims to ensure that we do not see an increase in human trafficking and that we are aware of when it is happening, ”said Savit.

READ: Washtenaw County Prosecutor is no longer processing charges for consensual sex work