A federal grand jury in Columbia, South Carolina, has indicted four Charleston residents on multiple counts related to a sex trafficking operation, as revealed during a multi-year investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Charleston Police Department. The 15-count indictment includes charges of sex trafficking, money laundering, and conspiracy offenses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Orville is at the helm of the prosecution team. The accused are Johnathan Dais, 33; Calvin Wolfe, 54; Rose Stoner, also known as Rose Wolfe, 50; and Alexis McInnis, 20. Allegations suggest that from 2016 through 2025, these individuals operated a trafficking ring wherein at least five victims, including a minor, were coerced into commercial sex acts through deception, coercion, or fraud.

Johnathan Dais faces the most severe charges, including conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, attempted sex trafficking of a minor, and various financial crimes. In addition to these charges, Dais is also accused of making false statements to law enforcement and laundering proceeds from the illegal activities.

Calvin Wolfe and Rose Stoner are charged with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Alexis McInnis, on the other hand, is implicated in using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and making false statements.

Details from the investigation reveal that Dais was the primary organizer, with Wolfe and Stoner assisting in the recruitment and control of the victims. McInnis and Dais allegedly used online platforms and communication tools to advertise or facilitate prostitution, and both are accused of misleading federal authorities during interviews and attempting to conceal financial gains through laundering schemes.

The potential penalties for these crimes are severe. Sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion could lead to a life sentence, while money laundering and related conspiracy charges carry a maximum of 20 years in prison.

Currently, Dais, Wolfe, and Stoner are held in federal custody awaiting trial. McInnis was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond with court-imposed conditions following a decision by U.S. Magistrate Judge Molly Cherry on July 7.

As the investigation continues, Homeland Security Investigations and Charleston Police are urging anyone who may have been exploited by the defendants to come forward. Confidential tips can be sent to [email protected], referencing Johnathan Dais in the subject line.

It is important to remember that all charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.