FDLE Smashes Human Trafficking Ring, 15 Arrested, 2 At Large

A two-year investigation of a human trafficking network involving multiple victims operating in Central and South Florida has led to the arrest of 15 suspects, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement announcement Friday.

Authorities say, two more suspects are being sought.

According to FDLE, the investigation started in 2013, when a human trafficking victim was discovered during a traffic stop.  Subsequently, investigators identified six women who were illegally smuggled into the United States after promises of legal jobs and reuniting with family.

Once in the country, the women were forced to work as commercial sex slaves performing sex acts on 25 to 45 men a day, six times a week. Victims ranged in age from 25 to 35 years.

Investigators say, the human trafficking ring operated in Collier, Lee, Hendry, Polk and Miami-Dade counties. Investigators also say, the victims earned between $190,000 and $320,000 a year for their captors.

Agents believe there are additional victims.  Anyone with information is urged to contact FDLE’s Ft. Myers Regional Operations Center at (239) 278-7170.

The suspect were booked into the Collier County Jail on the following charges:

• VICTOR BLANCO PANTOJA, 37, 2927 Lunar Circle, Lakeland, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; three counts-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; three counts- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• ANAHI BENGOECHEA, 59, 27566 Dortch Ave., Bonita Springs, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; three counts-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; three counts- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• DELIA MARADIAGA MAJANO, 39, 1960 Sunshine Blvd. Apt. C, Naples, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; two counts-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; two counts- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• ILARIO GONZALES, 33, 123 Hancock St., Immokalee, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; three counts-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; three counts- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• JOSE MERDADO BONILLA, 43, 1960 Sunshine Blvd. Apt. C, Naples, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; two counts-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; two counts- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• ALBERTO SIERRA, 55,  5236 Summerlin Rd., Fort Myers, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity;  one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• DALIA TORRES, 54,  484 Thigpen Road, LaBelle, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity;  one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• ARMANDO OCAMPO HERNANDEZ, 30, 1057 Old South Drive., Lakeland, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity;  one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• MOISES RODRIGUEZ, 66,  1059 Old South Dr., Lakeland, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity;  one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• GLADYS MENDOZA TORRES, 65,  10830 SW 147th Court, Miami, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity;  one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• MARTIN ORTIZ, 33, 1400 Apache Circle, LaBelle, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; two counts-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity; two counts- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• BALDOMERO DELATORRE, 66,  608 New Market Road, Immokalee, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity;  one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• AURORA DEL ROSARIO BARRIENTOS PIRIR, 31,  123 Hancock St. Immokalee, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity;  one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• JUAN PABLO PEREZ, 37, 217 N. Second Street, Immokalee, one count-deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• ALVIA VELASCIA, 28, 217 N. Second Street, Immokalee, one count-deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.

The two suspects who remain at large are:

• JOSE SENTENO, 43,  26197 Milagro Lane, Bonita Springs, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity;  one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.
• ALBA GUZMAN, 57, LaBelle, one count-conspiracy to commit human trafficking; one count-human trafficking using coercion for commercial sexual activity;  one count- deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.