Abelardo Gomez, Sex Trafficking of Minors, Texas 2016

Edinburg Couple Convicted in Sex Trafficking of Minors Conspiracy

McALLEN, Texas – In a shocking case of exploitation, an Edinburg couple has been convicted for their roles in a sex trafficking of minors conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Abelardo Gomez, 37, and his girlfriend Cerena Ortiz, 25, pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit sex trafficking of minors, a charge that carries a maximum penalty of up to life in federal prison.

The crime unfolded on March 25, 2016, when Gomez drove to Louisiana to pick up two minor females, ages 14 and 15. He then transported them back to a residence in Edinburg that he shared with Ortiz.

According to admissions made in connection with their guilty pleas, Gomez and Ortiz took revealing photographs of the minor females posing in a lascivious manner. The photos were then used to create advertisements on backpage.com promoting the prostitution of the minors.

Gomez and Ortiz admitted that during the two-week-period the females resided with them, the minors engaged in commercial sex acts with several adult males in the Edinburg residence, in motel rooms, and in a vehicle belonging to Gomez. Eventually, on April 7, 2016, Gomez and Ortiz abandoned the minors at a local convenience store. The girls called 911 and reported the incident to local authorities.

The FBI conducted the investigation along with the Edinburg Police Department.

This case was 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.

Defendant: Abelardo Gomez

Criminal Charges: Conspiring to commit sex trafficking of minors

City and State: Edinburg, Texas

Exact Date: March 25, 2016

Sentence or Outcome: Up to life in federal prison

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