Human trafficking probe tied to Franklin strip club; 4 men charged

Human trafficking case tied to Franklin strip club

Four men with ties to a Franklin strip club were charged in connection to human trafficking across the country.

FRANKLIN, Wis. - Four men with ties to a Franklin strip club were charged in connection to human trafficking across the country.

It's a years-long investigation that is centered in Wisconsin, with the raid happening on Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025.

Investigators say multiple search warrants targeted 'On the Border Gentleman's Club' in Franklin.

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On the Border

Human trafficking investigation

What we know:

A Franklin strip club was part of a years-long investigation.

Now four men are charged in the case, and they appeared in court on Friday, Dec. 19, 2025.

"As this court is aware, these individuals were arrested yesterday morning," said the Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney.

Jimmy Durant, Dantavia Rule, Maurice Russel, and Brian Hopkins face various charges ranging from human trafficking, to domestic abuse and victim intimidation, to keeping a place of prostitution.

Jimmy Durant, Dantavia Rule, Brian Hopkins, Maurice Russell

Prosecutors say victims were forced to have sex for money at the club.

The investigation started in 2020 as a part of a joint local and federal task force operation.

The FBI was then tipped off about prostitution, drug dealing, and loan fraud happening at a downtown Milwaukee apartment.

On the Border

"There is a ton of information about what is going on with the amount of money that is going through here and ties to other states," said Milwaukee County Judge Michelle Havas.

Court filings say multiple Instagram messages discuss trafficking women and advertising them on websites.

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A judge denied requests from three of the men's attorneys to dismiss the charges.

"I do believe there's a flight risk to the community," the judge added.

Statement from On The Border

What they're saying:

"With reference to recent media reports regarding an investigation involving one of our employees, the owners and employees of On The Border have proudly served and supported our community as a locally operated business for nearly four decades."

"In response to this recent allegation, we want to clearly state that we fully support the ongoing investigation by law enforcement and condemn in the strongest possible terms any illegal activity associated with our business."

FOX6 also reached out to the Franklin mayor but are still waiting for a response.