ROYAL OAK, Mich. – A Royal Oak doctor is accused of having sex with woman trapped in a sex trafficking ring and threatening a trafficked woman’s health care when he was unhappy with her, according to prosecutors.
Dr. Gireesh Velugubanti, 49, of Royal Oak, was investigated by the Oakland County Human Trafficking Task Force as a possible customer of the Sonesta Suites trafficking ring, according to Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald.
Texts with suspected member of sex trafficking ring
Velugubanti, a practicing neurologist, is accused of texting Antione Fulgiam to arrange sex meetings with trafficking victims. He also texted Fulgiam to buy drugs, prosecutors said.
“Purchasing sex with trafficked women isn’t a victimless crime,” McDonald said. “It is abuse. This defendant, and men like him, often living comfortable lives, prey on victims who have been denied personal agency or freedom by traffickers.
“Sex trafficking only exists because so-called ‘customers’ create an economic incentive. They will be held accountable.”
McDonald said Velugubanti once texted Fulgiam because he was unhappy with a trafficked sex workers. Velugubanti is accused of asking Fulgiam to warn the woman that her “free medical care” might come to an end.
“This defendant’s alleged behavior is especially shocking,” McDonald said. “According to police investigations, he effectively ransomed health care in order to exploit one or more victims. The first rule of the medical profession is to ‘do no harm.’ There are few things a doctor can do more harmful than to allegedly expect sex as a condition for care.”
Public records show Velugubanti had faced disciplinary action in the past with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
In 2018, he was given a fine and two years of probation for negligence, incompetence, and technical violation of the Michigan public health code. His probation ended in 2020.
It’s unclear where exactly he was practicing at the time of his arrest. A private practice located in Bingham Farms under the name Inscribed PLLC is listed under his name.
Doctor’s charges
Velugubanti is charged with:
- Human trafficking enterprise resulting in injury/commercial sexual activity -- a 15-year felony.
- Conspiracy to deliver less than 50 grams of a controlled substance -- a 20-year felony.
Arraignment is scheduled for Friday at 46th District Court.
Sex trafficking charges
Fulgiam is one of three people -- along with Chanel Rackard and Sherri Gress -- facing trafficking charges in connection with the Sonesta Suites trafficking ring.
Fulgiam, 50, is charged with human trafficking causing injury. He was arraigned in 46th District court and had bond revoked.
Gress, 59, is charged with human trafficking causing injury and delivering/manufacturing less than 50 grams of a controlled substance.
She was given a $150,000 bond, cash/surety. She must wear a tether, if released.
