A five-year human trafficking investigation led to the arrest of four men by an FBI task force, focusing on On the Border Gentlemen’s Club in Franklin, near 27th and Elm Road, after a tip from a former employee.The four defendants all made their first appearances in court on Friday.”This is concerning that this was going on.” Judge Michelle Ackerman Havas said.The four men arrested—Jimmy Durant, Brian Hopkins, Dantavia Rule, and Maurice Russell—are facing human trafficking-related charges. According to a 22-page complaint, Durant, also known as Fly, is accused of trafficking multiple women, while Rule and Russell are identified as recruiters. Hopkins served as the manager at the club.One victim reported to investigators that sex acts occurred inside the VIP lounge, with bouncers dimming the lights during these acts. Victims were coerced into working at the club and in other states, forced to surrender all their cash earnings. Prosecutors revealed that one victim handed over all her money to Durant, who allegedly threatened physical abuse if she refused. When she managed to leave and inquired about the money he kept, Durant reportedly told her, “You pay to go to college, but if you don’t finish, you don’t get your money back.”Another victim was allegedly punched repeatedly by Rule, who, upon learning she bruised easily, resorted to strangling her instead. Judge Havas remarked, “The concept of human trafficking itself certainly raises levels of offense.”Despite the ongoing investigation, the club remains open, with staff declining to comment on the situation.To view the complaint in its entirety, click here