Tomahawk man, six others arrested in U.P. human trafficking sting

DICKINSON COUNTY, MICH. – A Tomahawk man and six other individuals were arrested in a human trafficking sting operation in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.) earlier this month.

The arrests were announced by the Dickinson County Sheriff’s Office in Dickinson County, Mich., on Monday, Oct. 13.

According to a release, the Sheriff’s Office and law enforcement partners in the U.P. conducted a three-day human trafficking operation targeting individuals involved in the sexual exploitation of children and vulnerable adults.

Participating agencies included the Kingsford Public Safety Department, Iron Mountain Police Department, Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, Menominee County Sheriff’s Office, Niagara Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), which operates under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Seven individuals, including Guy Andre Ruder, 51, of Tomahawk, were taken into custody as part of the operation.

Also arrested were David Anthony Bailey, 45, of Green Bay; Kelsey Lee Burbank, 29, of Kingsford, Mich.; John Charles Coughlin, 61, of Iron Mountain, Mich.; Nicholas Jon Krackenberger, 29, of Iron Mountain; Joseph Scott Peters, 41, of Green Bay; and Dennis Walter Zuern, 65, of Iron Mountain.

Ruder, Bailey, Burbank, Coughlin, Krackenberger, Peters and Zuern are each charged with felony counts of child sexually abusive activity, use of a computer to commit child sexually abusive activity, use of a computer to commit accosting a child for immoral purposes and children – accosting for immoral purposes, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

If convicted on all counts, the accused face up to 51 years in prison and up to $129,000.00 in fines.

The release said that during the operation, investigators utilized a range of investigative strategies to identify offenders and potential victims. Specific investigative methods were not disclosed in the release in order to “maintain the integrity of ongoing cases and future operations,” according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The operation was supported by investigative journalist Chris Hansen and his TruBlu film crew. The release said Hansen and his crew documented portions of the effort “to raise public awareness of human trafficking and online exploitation.”

“Their coverage aims to highlight both the dangers facing potential victims and the proactive work being done by law enforcement across the region,” the release stated.

The release said the operation “represents a united front among Upper Peninsula law enforcement agencies to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”

“Collaboration, technology and public awareness are key to confronting these crimes head-on and holding offenders accountable,” the release said.

In a separate release, Dickinson County Prosecutor Abbey Anderson said the operation “represents a strong partnership between law enforcement agencies across the Upper Peninsula.”

“Our unified approach demonstrates a firm commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and holding offenders accountable,” Anderson stated. “The Dickinson County Sheriff's Office extends sincere thanks to all agencies involved, as well as to Chris Hansen and his TruBlu team, for their hard work, professionalism and dedication throughout the operation. This was the first human trafficking operation of its kind in Dickinson County, and its success is attributed to the outstanding teamwork among participating law enforcement personnel.”

The Sheriff’s Office reminded the public that “human trafficking and child exploitation are not confined to big cities.”

“This activity happens everywhere, including small towns and rural communities,” the Sheriff’s Office said.

Traffickers and predators often use everyday online platforms, messaging apps and social media to reach their victims.

The Sheriff’s Office encouraged parents and guardians to stay engaged in their children’s online lives, including social media, gaming and messaging platforms; discuss online safety and the risks of communicating or sharing information with strangers; be alert for sudden changes in behavior, secrecy or new unexplained relationships; and report suspicious activity immediately to local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting “HELP” to 233733.

“Community awareness and parental involvement are some of the strongest tools we have to prevent exploitation,” the Sheriff’s Office said. “If something doesn’t seem right, speak up – you could be the one to stop a tragedy before it happens.”