Yeison Lopez-Martinez, Enticement and Child Sex Trafficking, New York 2020

Child Sex Trafficking Bust in Buffalo Leaves Community Reeling

A 19-year-old man from Guatemala has been charged with enticing a minor and transporting a child for sex in a shocking case that has left the community in Buffalo, New York, reeling. According to the indictment, Yeison Lopez-Martinez, a native of Guatemala living in Trenton, New Jersey, enticed a minor victim to travel from New Jersey to New York to engage in sexual activity between March and April 2, 2020.

On March 30, 2020, Lopez-Martinez transported the minor victim from New Jersey to New York with the intent to engage in sexual activity, making him eligible for a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison.

The charges were announced by U.S. Attorney James P. Kennedy, Jr. in a press release that highlighted the severity of the crimes. "The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty," the release noted.

Lopez-Martinez was detained after making an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in New Jersey. He will be returned to the Western District of New York at a later date.

The indictment is the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, under the direction of Special Agent-in-Charge Kevin Kelly.

As the community grapples with the shocking news, residents are left to wonder how such a heinous crime could have occurred under their noses. "The safety and well-being of our children are of paramount importance," said U.S. Attorney Kennedy in a statement. "We will do everything in our power to ensure that those who seek to harm them are held accountable."

Lopez-Martinez's case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of child sex trafficking and the importance of vigilance in our communities. As the investigation continues, the people of Buffalo can take comfort in knowing that justice is being sought for the victims of this horrific crime.

Defendant: Yeison Lopez-Martinez
Criminal Charges: Enticement and Transportation of a Minor for Sex
City and State: Buffalo, New York
Crime Date: March 30, 2020
Sentence: Mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life in prison
Current Status: Detained

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdny/pr/guatemalan-man-indicted-enticement-charge-and-transporting-minor-have-sex