Rachel Ayers allegedly hid the leader of a Victory Inn human trafficking and drug operation, Darrick Bell (aka “Ghost” or “Tone”), during a three-year manhunt across Detroit.
What We Know:
- Bell and five other defendants were charged in a nine-count indictment with trafficking in persons, drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion collection and conspiracy amongst other charges.
- A grand jury indicted Bell on March 29, 2017, with a warrant issued for charges including distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death or serious bodily injury and sex trafficking. After three years of avoiding authorities, Bell was arrested on Wednesday in Monroe where they also found multiple cellphones, cocaine base, cocaine powder, individually packaged marijuana and more than $11,000 in cash.
- The arrest was made at the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites on East Albain Road in Monroe and Bell was found in a room with Ayers. Police stated that Ayers waived her Miranda rights after being detained.
- Officials said Ayers admitted to being aware that Bell had been a federal fugitive since 2017 and told the police she had actively helped Bell evade arrest, including driving him between Michigan and Ohio to help him hide according to court records. She also bought cellphones for him to communicate with known drug traffickers.
- Authorities state that in late July, Ayers said she picked up Bell in Ohio while law enforcement officials were actively searching for him and brought him back to Michigan. She is currently facing a charge of concealing a person from arrest.
Glad that this “Ghost” is off the streets.
