NASHVILLE – A federal indictment has charged eight individuals, including a San Antonio resident, with allegedly operating a human trafficking ring that exploited women from Central and South America and transporting them to the U.S. for prostitution.
Yuribetzi Del Valle Gomez Machuca and her co-defendants lured “young, poor, and vulnerable” women with promises of “legitimate work,” only to force them into prostitution upon arrival to the U.S., according to the indictment.
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The Tennessee-based operation forced women into repaying inflated travel debts through commercial sex acts, the indictment said.
Federal authorities claim the defendants used sophisticated methods, including electronic communications, to coordinate the transportation and exploitation of the victims.
The indictment also alleges the use of threats, force and connections with the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to maintain control over the women, the indictment states. The suspects are accused of withholding the victims' identification documents so they wouldn’t escape.
Gomez Machuca was charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, conspiracy to commit interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises, and sex trafficking conspiracy, records show.
The indictment seeks forfeiture of assets linked to the criminal enterprise.
If convicted, Gomez Machuca and her co-defendants could face life in prison.
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