Girl, 17, headed toward trial in sex trafficking case

LANSING – A Lansing teenager charged in connection with a sex trafficking ring involving at least eight girls and one adult was bound over for trial today.

Mariah Haughton, 17, waived her right to a preliminary examination in 54A District Court. A preliminary examination determines whether there is enough evidence for a defendant to stand trial.

Meanwhile, 54A District Court Judge Patrick Cherry adjourned a preliminary exam for co-defendant Jonathon Purnell until Nov. 20. Purnell recently changed attorneys, according to statements in court.

Haughton and Purnell face numerous charges, including human trafficking, in state court. A third defendant — 24-year-old Christopher Turryle Bryant of Lansing — is being prosecuted in federal court.

Authorities allege the three defendants used Backpage.com to advertise females for sex. The girls ranged in age from 15 to 17 and were enticed or forced into prostitution, prosecutors said. The trafficking ring was based in Lansing but stretched to Arizona, officials said.

Haughton’s attorney, Steven Feigelson, declined to comment on the case on Thursday.