Metro Detroit Man Charged After Helping Wife Run Human Trafficking Ring: Police

LIVONIA, MI — The husband of a woman who was charged in connection with running a human trafficking ring at multiple massage parlors across metro Detroit is also facing charges now, according to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office.

Paul Richard Katterman II, 57, of Livonia, was charged with human trafficking enterprise resulting in commercial sexual activity, human trafficking enterprise, keeping a house of prostitution and failure to file taxes.

His wife, Zixuan Wan, was charged with human trafficking enterprise resulting in commercial sexual activity, human trafficking enterprise, keeping a house of prostitution, failure to file taxes, second-degree money laundering and conducting a criminal enterprise.

The human trafficking enterprise charge resulting in commercial sexual activity carries up to 15 years in prison and/or a $15,000 fine. The human trafficking enterprise charge is punishable and up to 10 years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine.

Conducting a criminal enterprise is punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a $100,000 fine and second-degree money laundering is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a $100,000 fine.

"Trafficking has become a sophisticated criminal enterprise that generates huge cash profits for the criminals who run them. We must use every available tool and resource to free victims, prosecute traffickers, and seize their ill-gotten money," Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said. "The Farmington Hills Police, in cooperation with the Human Trafficking Task Force and the Prosecutor's Office, has continued to work this investigation and gather the evidence that allowed us to bring these additional charges. We will not stop."

Officials began investigating in November 2024 when they learned the couple's massage businesses were offering illicit services, according to police.

In March, officers arrested Wan after they found several human trafficking victims living inside her massage businesses in Farmington Hills, Westland and Commerce Township, according to police.

Officials said four Chinese women who don’t speak English were rescued from the massage parlors. Officials said the women were forced to work from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week and provide massages to mostly men.

The women didn’t have access to transportation, medical care or friends and family, and received minimal payment, if any for their work, McDonald said.

The women were taken to the Common Ground and CARE House of Oakland County, according to police.

Officers also searched Wan's Livonia home and banks, where they found several firearms and about $140,000 in cash, according to police.

Katterman was arrested Tuesday in Farmington Hills, according to police.

"These crimes are some of the most complicated incidents to investigate and charge, however, through the dedication and thoroughness of our detectives we believe that our investigation will provide some closure for the survivors and an opportunity for them to be heard by the criminal justice system," Farmington Hills Police Chief John Piggott said.

If you suspect that any child or adult is a victim, or is at risk of becoming a victim, call 855-444-3911 any time day or night. If the individual is in imminent danger, immediately call 911. Click here to learn more about human trafficking from the State of Michigan.