Today at the Brooklyn federal courthouse, Hugo Hernandez-Velazquez was sentenced to 188 months in prison for leading a sex trafficking ring that exploited women through force, fraud, and coercion. The defendant was extradited from Mexico in 2021 and pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges in April 2023.
United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. and Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York announced the sentence, emphasizing that Hernandez-Velazquez’s operation was a brutal campaign of violence, manipulation, and exploitation that targeted young women in Mexico, luring them with promises of love before forcing them into prostitution in the U.S.
Patel highlighted the bravery of survivors who came forward, stating, “Today’s sentencing is no doubt a direct result of the courage of each survivor who spoke up.” He emphasized HSI’s commitment to investigating and pursuing those who sexually exploit individuals under their supposed care.
Nocella praised HSI New York’s Trafficking in Persons Unit for leading the investigation and thanked various government agencies, including Interpol and the New York City Police Department, for their assistance. He also acknowledged NGOs that have worked tirelessly to restore the lives of trafficking survivors and their families.
The Hernandez-Velazquez organization operated from approximately 2001 to 2009, using force and coercion to compel young women to engage in prostitution across multiple states in the U.S., maintaining a base in Queens. The defendant subjected victims to physical abuse, forced abortions, and threats against their families.
United States District Judge William F. Kuntz will oversee Hernandez-Velazquez’s sentence before he is deported back to Mexico following his release.
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime|Sex Crimes|Human Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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