trenton, new jersey – New Jersey State Police say a four-month investigation resulted in the “dismantling” of the human trafficking network and the arrest of six suspects.
Police said 11 female victims, including at least one boy, were smuggled from Mexico into the United States and forced into prostitution.
An investigation began in January when authorities reportedly received information that boys were being trafficked from a Trenton residence. A search of the house found two victims and two suspects.
Police say one of the victims, a boy, was smuggled from Mexico into Texas because he was believed to be working at a restaurant.
However, she was unknowingly coerced into human trafficking and transported to New Jersey, where police say she was forced into prostitution in Asbury Park and Trenton.
A few months later, in May, nine more female victims were found in various Trenton residences. All victims were tricked into believing they would be offered legal employment, police said.
Paulino Macolas-Aguirre, 43, was identified by police as the ringleader of a human trafficking operation. He was taken into custody and charged with trafficking in persons, facilitating organized street crime, facilitating child prostitution, facilitating human trafficking, sexual assault, money laundering, endangering child welfare, prostitution and conspiracy to keep a house. indicted.
“Human trafficking is terrifying, especially when it involves the sexual exploitation of vulnerable women and girls lured into our country with the promise of a better life,” Platkin said.
A total of six suspects were arrested, including Daniel Bonito Camara, 55. Edy Villeda Estrada, 39 years old. Efran Melokastillo, 30 years old. Jose Gabriel Camara Perrico, 30 years old. Laura Macolas Aguirre, 44 years old. and Macola Aguirre.
Two more suspects, Daniel Henderson and Kamala Perrico, 31. Daniela Penco Camara, 28, is on the run.