Category: USDJ Human Trafficking

Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

NEWARK, N.J. – Four individuals have been charged with operating a series of illicit massage parlors in New Jersey and New York, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced today.

Zhejun Piao, 37, a Chinese national, Miyeon Choi, 37, a South Korean national, Shangxian Cui, 36, Chinese national, and Meixiang Jin, 34, of Palisades Park, New Jersey, are charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to commit interstate travel or transportation in aid of a racketeering enterprise. All four defendants were arrested on Aug. 8, 2024 and made their initial appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge James B. Clark III in Newark federal court. They were all released.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court:

From at least May 2017, the defendants owned, operated, and derived money from illicit massage parlors or spas in New Jersey and New York that, as the defendants knew, had been offering sexual services in exchange for money. The New Jersey spas include Coco Spa in Paterson, Gold Spa in Passaic, 785 Spa in Passaic, Bergen Acupressure in Fairview, Queen Spa in Edgewater, Hawaii Spa in Edgewater, Good Day Spa in East Brunswick, and Spa Wellness in Toms River. The New York spa includes New Soothing Day Spa in New Rochelle. 

Each of the spas allegedly advertised sexual services on various online platforms by posting images of the female sex workers and describing the sexual services offered. Law enforcement obtained evidence demonstrating each of the defendants’ personal knowledge of, and involvement in, the illegal operation. For example, emails obtained by law enforcement show that Choi received what appear to be draft advertisements for the spas, and other emails and records show Choi and Piao transferred cryptocurrency to an online advertisement company. Law enforcement also observed Cui transport supplies, including mouthwash and paper towels, to the spas, make suspected cash pickups, and deposit over $50,000 of cash with Jin to a bank account.

The charge of conspiracy to commit interstate travel or transportation in aid of a racketeering enterprise carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

U.S. Attorney Sellinger credited special agents of Homeland Security Investigations Newark, under the direction of Acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker; the U.S. State Department, Diplomatic Security Service; and the New Jersey State Police, under the direction of Col. Patrick J. Callahan, with the investigation. He also thanked HSI New York, Hudson Valley Office; Customs and Border Protection; the Passaic County Prosecutors Office; Passaic County Sheriff; Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office; Bergen County Sheriff; Edgewater Police Department; Fairview Police Department; Paterson Police Department; East Brunswick Police Department; New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice; South Toms River Police Department; Edison Police Department; South Toms River Police Department; Morris County Prosecutor’s Office; Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office; New Rochelle Police Department; Westchester District Attorney’s Office; Federal Air Marshals; New York State Police; ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations; and the Palisades Park Police Department

The government is represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey S. Smith and Javon Henry of the General Crimes Unit in Newark. 

The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

DEL RIO, Texas – A McKinney man was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 30 months in prison for conspiracy to transport undocumented noncitizens.

According to court documents, on July 26, 2022, Draivon Rashon Dixon, 33, approached a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near Carrizo Springs in an SUV. Agents encountered three undocumented noncitizens attempting to conceal themselves in the vehicle. Agents also recovered a 9mm pistol and 18 rounds of ammunition inside the vehicle. A jury found Dixon guilty at trial on Jan. 18, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

USBP investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ekua Ayatra Assabill and Jayvee Rhoda prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio Franco is handling asset forfeiture.

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Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

INTERPOL Washington, with support from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), has deployed advanced technology and software solutions in Trinidad and Tobago that will help law enforcement detect and interdict transnational criminals and terrorists traveling through the nation. Trinidad and Tobago is now the second nation in CARICOM to implement these sophisticated border security enhancements, following Barbados’s announcement on July 26.

“This tremendous milestone underscores the vital importance of international partnerships in enhancing border security,” said INTERPOL Washington’s lead for Project Terminus, Keith Hood. “By working together with Trinidad and Tobago, we are fortifying not only their borders but also the security of the entire Caribbean region and beyond. Collaborative efforts like these are essential in our global fight against crime and terrorism.”

Through Project Terminus, an INTERPOL Washington team successfully installed two custom software solutions: the Stolen and Lost Travel Documents (SLTD) Workbench and the Stolen Motor Vehicles (SMV) Workbench, both developed by INTERPOL Washington. These systems empower Trinidad and Tobago to efficiently share, manage, and extend vital document and vehicle information with 195 other INTERPOL member nations.

The newly installed applications include 11,000 test records and 243 live records that have already been successfully uploaded to the INTERPOL SLTD database. The SLTD Workbench solution has also been used to extend 100 expiring records. They also enhanced critical day-to-day operations for INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB) Trinidad and Tobago.

Lt. Col. Michael Jones, Executive Director of CARICOM IMPACS, stated that crime and criminality is an issue that affects everyone in the region. “It is for this reason that collaboration among agencies is important to combat the effects of crime and terrorism that are plaguing our Member States. CARICOM IMPACS is pleased to partner with and support Project Terminus as we work together to reduce and eliminate the impact of this scourge.” 

The success was achievable through funding from the U.S. Department of State Counter Terrorism Bureau and close coordination with NCB Trinidad and Tobago.

INTERPOL Washington’s Project Terminus, a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of State, aims to enhance INTERPOL screening and record submission by member countries by providing cutting-edge computer hardware and custom software solutions. These initiatives are designed to streamline service adoption and maximize data usability and effectiveness.

Beyond its primary goal of capacity-building, Project Terminus is pivotal in supporting the broader U.S. government law enforcement mission. By fostering connections between U.S. government law enforcement agencies and partner nation entities, this project enhances the law enforcement capabilities of partner nations and helps build a safer world.

Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

TUCSON, Ariz. – Nathan Espinoza Jr., 22, of Surprise, was arrested last week for his role in recruiting a driver and coordinating the transportation of two undocumented noncitizens in March 2024, one of whom suffered fatal injuries after jumping out of the driver’s vehicle while it was moving. Espinoza was charged by criminal complaint with one count of Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit. 

The complaint alleges that, since at least March 2024, Espinoza has conspired with others to recruit drivers to transport undocumented noncitizens, in exchange for which he received approximately $1,000 per person transported into the United States. The complaint further alleges that Espinoza has acted as a middleman for other smuggling coordinators and has helped coordinate numerous smuggling loads, including the March 2024 smuggling event that resulted in the death of one of the noncitizen passengers.

A complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This arrest is a result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security, to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. This work was recently expanded to Panama and Colombia. The Task Force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime.

Homeland Security Investigations is conducting the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Tucson, is handling the prosecution.
 

CASE NUMBER:           24-MJ-03713-TUC-N/A (EJM)
RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-107_Espinoza

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

 

Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

PHOENIX, Ariz. – Jesus Alexandro Sanchez-Armenta, 23, of Phoenix, was sentenced last month by United States District Judge Diane J. Humetewa to 72 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised released. Sanchez-Armenta pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens for Profit on February 22, 2024.

Sanchez-Armenta coordinated and/or recruited his co-conspirators, through social media sites, including Snapchat, to pick up undocumented noncitizens (UNCs) in Southern Arizona and to transport them further into the United States for profit. Sanchez-Armenta provided his co-conspirators with instructions on how and where to pick up the UNCs. Either he or another member of the conspiracy would provide the co-conspirators with GPS coordinates for where to pick up the UNCs, and then provided them with transportation routes designed to circumvent detection by law enforcement.

Homeland Security Investigations–Casa Grande and Customs and Border Protection’s United States Border Patrol–Tucson Sector conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Zander, District of Arizona, Phoenix, handled the prosecution.
 

CASE NUMBER:           CR-23-0259-PHX-DJH
RELEASE NUMBER:    2024-106_Sanchez-Armenta

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For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/
Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on X @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

BOSTON – Two years ago today, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts formally announced the creation of the Human Trafficking and Civil Rights Unit (HTCRU). This specialized team – comprised of federal prosecutors, victim witness specialists and support personnel – is dedicated to protecting human rights and holding perpetrators of human trafficking accountable.

Since its establishment, HTCRU has become a leader within the Department of Justice in terms of prosecuting individuals who engage in human trafficking. 

“Today marks the two-year anniversary of the HTCRU, a unit that, I am sorry to say, has been a huge success because it has revealed how serious and widespread a problem human trafficking is in our communities. Commercial sexual exploitation of children and vulnerable adults has no place in the District of Massachusetts. The dedicated team in this unit has worked tirelessly to eradicate these harms and atrocities while also tackling allegations of excessive police force, hate crimes, and labor trafficking,” said Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Our office is determined to hold traffickers liable for their deplorable crimes.”

Over the last two years, in close collaboration with federal, state and local law enforcement partners, our Office has prosecuted over 20 cases with numerous defendants. For example, in U.S. v. Stavros Papantoniadis, the defendant was convicted at trial for forced labor charges. He was found guilty of forcing or attempting to force six victims to work for him while physically and mentally abusing them. The defendant also targeted immigrants who he could exploit due to their vulnerability. Additionally, Jimall Brown, was sentenced to 135 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release after being convicted of sex trafficking a minor and two adults, while collecting all of the proceeds for himself and others.

This Unit has targeted not just traffickers but also the purchasers of sex who fuel the demand for exploited victims of sex trafficking. Our office has charged sex buyers federally where possible, such as in our recent prosecutions of US v. David Cannon / US v. Misael Medina / US v. Dmitri McKenzie, all for attempting to purchase sex with minors. In cases where there is not federal jurisdiction, we have worked to make state referrals to ensure that these sex buyers are held accountable.  

The HTCRU coordinates trainings, including survivor-led trainings to identify trends in the community while learning how the office can improve work with victims. Labor trafficking training has been provided to both federal employees and state inspectors to recognize key indicators of exploitation. This team also works with local and state law enforcement agencies, as well as non-government organizations, to hold predators accountable and protect survivors’ rights.

If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please call your local police department or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov. 

Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

DEL RIO, Texas – A Corpus Christi man was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 46 months in prison for conspiracy to transport undocumented noncitizens, placing lives in jeopardy.

According to court documents, Thomas Bucciarelli, 40, failed to yield to law enforcement in Carrizo Springs on Aug. 20, 2022. Bucciarelli drove through red traffic lights and struck the driver’s side of a vehicle stopped at an intersection. Border Patrol agents located Bucciarelli’s vehicle in a parking lot, finding four passengers who were revealed to be undocumented noncitizens. Bucciarelli was taken into federal custody. He pleaded guilty to one count on Feb. 6, 2023.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Markovits prosecuted the case.

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Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

OXFORD, MS – The United Nations General Assembly has declared July 30 as “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons,” and urges accelerated action to end child trafficking. Clay Joyner, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Mississippi, has committed efforts to raise awareness and combat this growing epidemic. “Human trafficking, particularly the trafficking of children, is an outrage that cannot be tolerated,” remarked Joyner. “This office will do everything in our power to root out this evil and protect vulnerable victims.”

What is human trafficking?

The most common forms of human trafficking are sexual exploitation and forced labor. Human trafficking occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against his/her will. Any commercial sex act involving someone under the age of 18 is human trafficking.

Traffickers can be organized groups but also the victim’s own family. One in three victims of human trafficking globally is a child, with girls being disproportionately affected. Often, child exploitation cases meet the definition of trafficking if the crime involves a sex act in exchange for something of value, including money, food, shelter, clothing, or other items.

Identification and protection of child victims remain challenging due to underreporting and lack of awareness. Traffickers often employ coercion, deception, and threats to maintain control over their victims, making it difficult for authorities to intervene. Citizens should be aware of the signs to assist in recognizing and reporting trafficking.

What are the signs?

• Lack of identifying documents such as a driver’s license or passport. Traffickers seize these from their victims to restrict their freedom of movement and limit their actions.
• Lack of control of their own money. Traffickers withhold or deny wages, and limit access to cash in order to control their victims.
• Signs of physical abuse such as bruises or scars.
• Unusual fearfulness. Victims may be working under threats to themselves, their family, their property or their freedom.
• Unwillingness to communicate or socialize. Victims may be fearful to communicate with their friends, family or authorities.
• Lack of food, sleep or proper care. Victims may be subject to very poor living conditions and treatment.
• Being underage for their work, especially if it involves commercial sex.

Resources are available for trafficking victims and includes response by local, state, and Federal law enforcement. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, assistance is available 24/7 immediately from local law enforcement and through the National Human Trafficking Hotline. A confidential report can be made by visiting https://humantraffickinghotline.org/, calling 1-888-373-7888, or sending a text to BeFree (233733).

Though this a crime occurring globally, trafficking is present at the local level. The U.S. Attorney’s Office urges citizens in the Northern District of Mississippi to report suspected trafficking.

In Mississippi, you can make a report to the statewide human trafficking coordinator by emailing ReportHT@dps.ms.gov or calling 601-987-1671. Any report involving a victim under 18 being trafficked must be reported to the Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services online at https://reportabuse.mdcps.ms.gov/ or by calling 1-800-222-8000.

Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

Tampa, Florida – United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Jessie Thomas Taylor (42, Tampa) with sex trafficking of a minor. If convicted, Taylor faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. 

According to the indictment, Taylor advertised and transported a minor victim and caused the minor victim to engage in a commercial sex act.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless, and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Tampa Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Courtney Derry.

This is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

Source: United States Department of Justice (Human Trafficking)

RALEIGH, N.C. – United States Attorney Michael Easley is partnering with the local chapter of A21 to host a training to raise awareness and provide tools on how to recognize and combat human trafficking. The training is being held on July 30, a day proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to be “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.” The event is open to the public and will include how to recognize indicators of human trafficking (both labor and sex).  The program will also highlight a new campaign to promote the U.S. Human Trafficking Hotline encouraging citizens to report suspected labor trafficking featured on signs at the airport.

“We are prioritizing human trafficking prosecution like never before.  Our new task forces bring law enforcement and service providers to the table for the dual mission of locking up traffickers and rescuing victims. Survivors across North Carolina can have faith that we will help them find resources and have their backs. But we can’t do it alone,” said U.S. Attorney Michael Easley. “This training gives the public the tools to identify and report the signs of human trafficking.  Together we are building a community that is safer and more free, one survivor at a time.” 

“Labor trafficking remains a profound challenge, necessitating continuous education and community engagement,” said Robin Seitz, Chief Marketing Officer of A21. “Through initiatives like A21’s Can You See Me? campaign, we can visually communicate the signs of trafficking to the public, empowering individuals to recognize and report suspicious activities. This partnership underscores the importance of collective action in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and communities. We are resolute in our commitment to drive meaningful change and ensure that North Carolina becomes a safer place for all. We commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their leadership and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts in the fight against human trafficking.”

Event Details:

When:    Tuesday, July 30 from 9:30 a.m. to noon

Where:   Hope Community Church – Raleigh Campus – 321 Buck Jones Road in Raleigh

Individuals who wish to participate in the training, can register online.

Media interested covering the event can contact USANCE.PublicInfoOfficer@usdoj.gov. 

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