Border Employee Pleads Not Guilty in Human Trafficking Case

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Four Individuals Charged in Human Trafficking Case Linked to On The Border Gentlemen’s Club

Four individuals have been charged with crimes related to human trafficking following an investigation tied to the On The Border Gentlemen’s Club in Franklin. The arrests, which took place in December, were the result of a multi-year probe that began in 2020 when law enforcement received information suggesting that the club's employers were benefiting from commercial sexual acts.

The criminal complaint detailed allegations that victims were performing sex acts in VIP lounges at the club. Among those arrested is Brian Hopkins, a 50-year-old from Oak Creek, who has entered a not guilty plea to a felony count of keeping a place of prostitution. According to a statement released on January 1 by one of the business' founders, Jerry Hay, and his wife, Mary, along with On The Border management, Hopkins was the only one of the four individuals arrested who worked for the club. He was terminated on December 22.

The other three individuals charged in relation to the investigation are Jimmy L. Durant Jr., Dantavia Vernard Rule, and Maurice Russell. All three are 31 years old and from Milwaukee. Each faces multiple felony charges related to human trafficking and other offenses.

Durant Jr. faces four felony counts of human trafficking, while Russell is charged with two felony counts of receiving compensation for human trafficking. Rule, however, faces the most charges, including two counts of felony human trafficking, two counts of battery, two counts of disorderly conduct, one felony count of false imprisonment, one felony count of strangulation/suffocation, one felony count of intimidating a victim of domestic abuse, and one felony count of receiving compensation for human trafficking.

All three defendants attempted to have some or all of their charges dismissed, but the court denied these motions. Durant Jr., Russell, and Rule have a status conference scheduled for January 28, while Hopkins has a scheduling conference set for January 29, according to online court records.

On The Border Supports Investigation; Franklin May Review Business Licenses

In response to the charges, On The Border issued a statement on December 21 denouncing the allegations and offering full support to investigators. The company stated that it has been collaborating with a "specialized industrial and organizational psychology business" to improve training and recruitment and achieve desired professional standards.

“Our most immediate goal is to select a trafficking awareness and prevention program from those available,” the statement said. “We are committed to safeguarding our patrons, staff and our community.”

The City of Franklin also issued a statement on December 22, noting that it may review licenses related to On The Border Gentlemen’s Club. The FBI has partnered with the Milwaukee, Franklin, and Oak Creek police departments, as well as the IRS, for the investigation.

Ongoing Legal Proceedings and Community Response

As the legal proceedings continue, the case has drawn attention from local and national media. The community remains concerned about the implications of the charges against the club and its employees. The ongoing investigation highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation between businesses and law enforcement to prevent human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals.

The situation underscores the need for continued efforts to raise awareness about human trafficking and ensure that establishments like On The Border take proactive steps to prevent such activities. As the cases move forward, the focus will remain on justice for any victims and accountability for those involved.