Human trafficking probe tied to Franklin strip club; 4 men charged
Human trafficking case tied to Franklin strip club
Four men with ties to a Franklin strip club were charged in connection to human trafficking across the country.
FRANKLIN, Wis. - Four men with ties to a Franklin strip club were charged in connection to human trafficking across the country.
It's a years-long investigation that is centered in Wisconsin, with the raid happening on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025.
Investigators say multiple search warrants targeted 'On the Border Gentleman's Club' in Franklin.
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On the Border
Human trafficking investigation
What we know:
A Franklin strip club was part of a years-long investigation.
Now four men are charged in the case, and they appeared in court on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.
"As this court is aware, these individuals were arrested yesterday morning," said the Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney.
Jimmy Durant, Dantavia Rule, Maurice Russel, and Brian Hopkins face various charges ranging from human trafficking, to domestic abuse and victim intimidation, to keeping a place of prostitution.
Jimmy Durant, Dantavia Rule, Brian Hopkins, Maurice Russell
Prosecutors say victims were forced to have sex for money at the club.
The investigation started in 2020 as a part of a joint local and federal task force operation.
The FBI was then tipped off about prostitution, drug dealing, and loan fraud happening at a downtown Milwaukee apartment.
On the Border
"There is a ton of information about what is going on with the amount of money that is going through here and ties to other states," said Milwaukee County Judge Michelle Havas.
Court filings say multiple Instagram messages discuss trafficking women and advertising them on websites.
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A judge denied requests from three of the men's attorneys to dismiss the charges.
"I do believe there's a flight risk to the community," the judge added.
FOX6 reached out to the gentlemen's club and they declined comment. FOX6 also reached out to the Franklin mayor but are still waiting for a response.
The Source: Information in this post was provided by Wisconsin Circuit Court Access as well as the criminal complaint associated with this case.