On Nov. The sentences will run concurrently. Maria Rojas, who also pleaded guilty to illegal re-entry after deportation, received an additional 24 months to be served concurrently to her other sentences.
The two were charged with a conspiracy involving the recruitment of Mexican women and girls to travel to the United States with the false expectation of legitimate jobs in bars and restaurants. The conspirators further relied on the services of pimps to supply the women for use as prostitutes to maintain control of the women. Jose Luis Rojas operated La Costenita. Eight others were also charged in the indictment with conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens.
Aguera, Santos, Perez Ramirez, Maradiaga Jimenez, Ramirez Caceres and Juarez have pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to terms ranging from eight to 11 months for their roles in conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens and all will be deported upon completion of their sentences. Martinez and Belmontes have also pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
Judge Hughes forfeited two bars, one restaurant and several properties which the court found were used to facilitate these crimes. The government intends to request the proceeds from these forfeitures be used to aid the victims in this case. A hearing will be held on April 16, , to address restitution in the case.
The mission of the HTRA is to foster the collaboration of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies with area social service organizations to identify and assist the victims of human trafficking and to effectively identify, apprehend and prosecute those engaged in trafficking offenses. Perez and Joe Magliolo prosecuted the case, while Katherine Haden handled the asset forfeiture matter.
