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Georgia Couple Charged with Labor Trafficking Conspiracy, Forced Labor, and Alien Smuggling
GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE – In a shocking case of human exploitation, a Georgia husband and wife have been charged with conspiring to commit labor trafficking, as well as forced labor and alien smuggling. Efrain Gonzalez, 40, and Estella Gonzalez, 34, both of Peachtree City, allegedly used force, threats of force, coercion, and abuse of law and legal process to compel victims to engage in forced labor.
According to a 16-count indictment, the couple operated two Mexican restaurants, Sabor A Mexico, in Fayetteville and Fairburn, Georgia. The indictment alleges that between March 2021 and October 2022, the Gonzalez’s conspired to commit labor trafficking, forcing victims to work against their will.
The indictment further alleges that the couple engaged in alien smuggling for commercial gain, with Efrain Gonzalez facing five counts of alien smuggling and Estella Gonzalez facing one count.
The charge of forced labor carries a maximum of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia, and Acting Special Agent in Charge Travis Picknard of HSI Atlanta made the announcement.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Annalise Peters and Trial Attorney Kate Hill of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case. Anyone who believes that they may have been a victim of this case or may have relevant information to share is asked to call the HSI tip line at 866-DHS-2423.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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