Oakland County Doctor Charged in Trafficking Case

Dr. Gireesh Velugubanti, a neurologist from Royal Oak, Michigan, has been arrested and charged with human trafficking enterprise resulting in injury/commercial sexual activity and conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance after allegedly trading medical care for sex with women in a trafficking ring at the Sonesta Suites hotel. Prosecutors allege Velugubanti arranged commercial sex and purchased drugs via text messages with one of the ring's alleged operators, Antione Fulgiam. Authorities say he threatened to withhold medical care from a trafficked woman as leverage. The human trafficking charge carries up to 15 years in prison, while the conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance charge could add up to 20 years if convicted. Prosecutors emphasized that purchasing sex from trafficked women perpetuates exploitation and vowed accountability for those fueling demand. Three other individuals—Fulgiam, Chanel Rackard, and Sherri Gress—have also been charged in connection with the operation.