Abel Medeles, Sex Trafficking, Harboring, Money Laundering, Texas 2014

Four people have been convicted in a sex trafficking, harboring and money laundering case in Houston, Texas.

Abel Medeles, 64, also known as Chito, and Odelia Hernandez, 45, both of Houston, have entered guilty pleas to conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens relating to their roles in the sex trafficking, harboring and money laundering organization, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Medeles operated the Las Palmas II parking lot, notifying his co-conspirators of any law enforcement presence he observed, while Hernandez aided in the operation of the business, telling co-conspirators to lock the doors when she realized law enforcement was coming.

Eduardo Guzman Gonzales, 30, also known as Miguel Rojas or El Pantera, and Alberto Mendez Flores, 25, also known as Ardilla, both Mexican citizens illegally residing in the U.S., managed the cantina and paid the owners $20,000 each week out of the money received from the operation of the Las Palmas II.

The three-year investigation was conducted as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA) and includes FBI, Harris County Sheriff's Office, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Department of State, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Houston Police Department.

Judge Werlein has set sentencing for Medeles and Hernandez on October 10, 2014, while Gonzales and Flores will be sentenced the following week, facing up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Assistant United States Attorneys Ruben R. Perez and Joe Magliolo are prosecuting the case, which remains ongoing with other defendants charged in relation to the investigation.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/four-convicted-sex-trafficking-harboring-and-money-laundering-investigation