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JULY 9, 2025 • Vol. 23, No. 16
0020-2528
DAY THE TOWN ON
Sheriff links Royal Oak neurologist arrested in Southfield to human trafficking ring BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK/SOUTHFIELD — A Royal Oak resident and neurologist, 47-year-old Gireesh Velugubanti, is being held in the Oakland County Jail on a $500,000 cash or surety bond after being accused of trading medical care for sex from a human trafficking victim. Velugubanti was arraigned in Southfield, the location in Velugubanti which he worked, on June 27 before 46th District Court Magistrate Sharon Woodside. He is charged with human trafficking and conspiracy to deliver or manufacture a controlled substance less than 50 grams. On June 26, Velugubanti was ar-
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The Royal Oak Leo Mahany/Harold Meininger Senior Center, seen here July 2, is undergoing renovations that are expected to be completed by Aug. 18.
Royal Oak senior center closed for renovations
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Leo Mahany/Harold Meininger Senior Center is now closed for the start of renovations and repairs. On June 23, the Royal Oak City Com-
mission approved a $564,000 renovation project that will fund a number of essential improvements including renovated bathrooms, new flooring, ceiling tiles and paint throughout. The money will also cover a new generator and electrical updates. Royal Oak’s architect, Kreiger Klatt Architects, reviewed bids and interviewed the three
low bidders on the project. Krieger Klatt recommended Usztan LLC to perform the work. According to Kevin Yee, director of public services, who spoke during the meeting, the renovations should be completed by Aug. 18, when the senior center will reopen prior to preschool beginning on Sept. 2. See SENIOR on page 16A
See TRAFFICKING on page 14A
valkyrievets.com
0133-2528
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN
tchristensen@candgnews.com