Michigan couple arrested for selling special needs woman for sex

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A couple from Macomb Township, Michigan, have been arrested for allegedly holding a special needs woman captive in their shed and selling her for sex.

MICHIGAN (REUTERS) - "How does somebody not know? It's heartbreaking, I feel so bad for that woman."

Tracy Byers says she still cannot believe that two of her neighbors in Macomb Township, Michigan, were just arrested for holding a special needs woman captive in their shed and selling her for sex.

"She was keeping somebody in a shed. I can't and I don't even understand it. Especially with how close we are to each other. The houses are close. Somebody had to see something," said Ms Byers.

Michael Welch, 38, and Misty George, 30, have been charged with human trafficking and accepting prostitution money.

The couple allegedly kept a 29-year-old woman with mental and physical disabilities in their back shed and set up online ads for a date with the victim.

Authorities, however, say several men paid money to the couple in exchange for sexual services from the woman.

They say the woman was forced to live in the shed when she was unable to pay rent. She was not allowed to use the bathroom or shower in the house.

Eventually, another family heard about her situation and called the police.

Welch and George are expected to appear in court on Oct 24.

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