Two individuals from the Grand Rapids area were arraigned on charges related to human trafficking, Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Friday.

Robert Henry Grigsby, 51, of Wayland, and Vanessa Anne Phillips, 39, of Grand Rapids, allegedly
conducted a criminal enterprise comprised of prostitution and sex trafficking of numerous women in
Grigsby’s home in Wayland, and other locations throughout the greater Grand Rapids area.

Grigsby was arraigned in the 57th District Court in Allegan County and charged with several counts of Sex Trafficking, Accepting Earnings of Prostitution, Transportation for Prostitution, and Conspiracy to Conduct a Criminal Enterprise.

Phillips was also arraigned in the 57th District Court in Allegan County on similar charges.

Wayland Police began an investigation into a human trafficking operation being conducted out of a
residence in Wayland, Michigan in October 2018. The investigation uncovered evidence of commercial sexual activity and transporting women for illegal activities from which the accused allegedly profited.

“Thankfully crimes like this do not occur in Wayland very often. However, the Wayland Police are
fortunate to have experienced officers and investigators that are up to the task,” said Chief Mark
Garnsey.

 

“The Wayland Police would like to thank the Attorney General’s Office for the time given to
this case, and their relentless persistence in helping us bring two human traffickers to justice.”

“The Wayland Police wish to thank the Human Trafficking Task Force consisting of the Michigan State Police, Allegan County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. I would also like to add that at least one of these victims has taken the opportunity to turn their life completely around. The fact that we were involved in positively impacting the lives of others and rescuing them is something we are very proud of,” said Chief Mark Garnsey.