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Sex Trafficking Ring Busted in Louisiana
A federal grand jury in Louisiana has returned a five-count indictment charging Jesus Lopez, age 45, Zaira Lopez-Oliva, age 24, and Kirsis Castellanos-Kirington, age 30, with conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking, and coercing and enticing another to travel interstate for prostitution.
The indictment, announced by United States Attorney Kurt Wall, alleges that the defendants used WhatsApp to send photographs of scantily clad women advertising commercial sex acts. They also transported young women from the New Orleans Airport to the Middle District of Louisiana to further the sex trafficking operation.
The defendants, all Honduran nationals present in the United States without authorization, were arraigned and pled not guilty to the pending charges. If convicted of the sex trafficking charges, each defendant faces a minimum of fifteen years and up to life imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.
They are also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completing any sentences imposed. The investigation is being led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—Homeland Security Investigations, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect communities from violent crime.
An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea.
Assistant United States Attorneys Edward H. Warner, Stephen R. Vick, Jr., and Special Assistant United States Attorney Allen Ross are prosecuting the case.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Sex Crimes|Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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