B.C. Man Gets Life In Prison For Trafficking, Child Porn & Drugs

A Battle Creek man was sentenced to life in prison by Federal Judge Janet Neff in Grand Rapids for what she called “a horrendous, drug-fueled, weapon-heavy nightmare.”

Michael Clayton, also known as Rodeo Loco, was found guilty by a jury for producing child pornography of three teens ages 15, 16 and 17 years old and forcing one of the girls into prostitution. The jury also convicted Clayton of conspiring to distribute cocaine and for being a felon in possession of weapons.

Battle Creek Police were called to the 500 block of Lakeview Avenue in Battle Creek on October, 5 2017 for a report of a 16 year old girl being held against her will in the basement of the home. The teen sent a text to her father stating she was afraid for her life. Authorities located the girl in an unlit basement of the home and arrested Clayton as well as Ramiro Ortis Hernandez Jr.

The victim told detectives she met Clayton a few weeks prior when he invited her to a party, gave her cocaine, and then expected her to have sex with him as payment for the drugs. Authorities say Clayton then continued to give the teen cocaine and demanding sex in return.

Federal investigators executed search warrants for Claytons SnapChat account and iPhone, finding more than 20 videos of Clayton engaging in sex acts with the 16-year-old girl, as well as 10 additional videos involving a 15 year old girl and a 17 year old girl. Investigators also located videos of Clayton with guns and cocaine.

The 16-year-old girl told detectives that Clayton and Hernandez Jr. pushed her to have sex with a stranger for $1,000, and that Clayton kept the money.

Hernandez pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and testified in court against Clayton. He received a 10-year sentence for sex trafficking.

Davi Sarah Bailey, 28, of Battle Creek was charged in June with threatening a witness in the case. Bailey has child with Clayton. She pleaded guilty to a charge and will be sentenced in Late November.