A Sault Ste. Marie man was arrested in what is being called the biggest case of human trafficking through drug coercion in U.P. history by the Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force.

Cody Mathieu McCoy, a 30-yearold resident of Sault Ste Marie, was arrested and arraigned in the 91st District court on March 1, 2023, on 13 criminal counts, including human trafficking – forced labor, possession and delivery of methamphetamine, criminal sexual assault and possession of controlled substances. McCoy is a fourth offense habitual offender. He is considered innocent until proven guilty.

The investigation is ongoing, and upon review of the tens of thousands of videos seized from McCoy, the authorities expect to uncover other victims.

“The Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office would like to recognize the courage of the victims that have already come forward in this case and values their lived-experience in describing the torment of drugbased coercion,” Chippewa County Sheriff Michael Bitnar said in a release. “The courage and resilience of victims and survivors cannot be overstated. If you are a person fighting addiction and has been forced to have sex to get drugs or to pay off a drug debt, we want to talk to you. You are not the criminal, you have a voice, and we will listen.”

If you have information regarding McCoy’s actions, there are four ways to contact the authorities:

• Call or Text the UPHTTF 24/7 confidential helpline (906) 299-9243

• Email unite@upht123.org (UPHTTF –Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Taskforce)

• Submit a Tip on the free Chippewa County Sheriff’s App.

• If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

McCoy is scheduled for a hearing on April 24.