CHARLESTON, S.C. – A dark underbelly of Charleston has been exposed with the federal indictment of four individuals accused of running a brutal sex trafficking operation. A federal grand jury in Columbia handed down a 15-count indictment, revealing years of exploitation and financial gain at the expense of vulnerable victims.
The investigation, a joint effort by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Charleston Police Department, alleges a conspiracy that spanned from 2016 to 2025. At the center of the scheme is Johnathan Dais, 33, of Charleston, facing the most severe charges: conspiracy to commit sex trafficking; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; attempted sex trafficking of a child; use of a facility of interstate commerce to promote an unlawful activity; false statements; conspiracy to commit money laundering; and money laundering. The indictment paints a grim picture of recruitment, enticement, harboring, and transportation of at least five victims – including one minor – for sexual exploitation.
Alongside Dais, Calvin Wolfe, 54, of Charleston, and Rose Stoner a/k/a Rose Wolfe, 50, of Charleston, are accused of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. Authorities allege they acted as co-conspirators with Dais, furthering the reach and impact of the trafficking ring. The indictment details how the trio allegedly used coercion and deceit to control their victims, forcing them into a life of sexual servitude.
The operation wasn’t limited to physical exploitation. Alexis McInnis, 20, of Charleston, is charged with use of a facility of interstate commerce to promote an unlawful activity, false statements, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Investigators believe McInnis played a key role in laundering the profits generated from the illicit activities, attempting to conceal the source of the funds. Dais and McInnis are also accused of lying to law enforcement during the course of the investigation.
The stakes are high. Sex trafficking carries a maximum penalty of life in prison, while money laundering could result in a 20-year prison sentence. Currently, Dais, Wolfe, and Stoner are being held without bail pending trial. McInnis was granted a $5,000 unsecured bond by Honorable Molly Cherry on July 7. But authorities aren’t stopping there. HSI and the Charleston PD are actively seeking information about other potential victims who may have been exploited by this network.
If you or someone you know may have been a victim of this trafficking ring, authorities urge you to come forward. Contact Charleston_ExploitationTips@hsi.dhs.gov with the subject line referencing Johnathan Dais, providing a name and contact information. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Orville is leading the prosecution. It is crucial to remember that these are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Human Trafficking|Sex Crimes|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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