Two illegal immigrants charged in Florida for their alleged involvement in the sex trafficking of a 15-year-old girl from New York City.
According to Fox News, the investigation, which began with an anonymous tip, led to their arrest and the rescue of the minor.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office identified Yenire Karolina Pache Coleiton and Enyerbert Blanco as the suspects they took into custody. Authorities searched for the victim, who had been missing since early September, and located her through a sting operation that traced commercial sex ads back to her.
Investigators found the girl in a Motel 6 in Riviera Beach and confirmed that traffickers had taken her from New York and forced her into prostitution in Florida. Her discovery directly led investigators to identify and arrest Coleiton and Blanco at the same location.
Police notably know Enyerbert Blanco for his criminal background, which includes charges of attempted murder and drug trafficking in New York and Miami. "How can he be out on bond for attempted murder out of New York, he gets arrested in Miami for drug trafficking, and he’s out walking around? That’s unconscionable," said Sheriff Ric Bradshaw, pointing to systemic failures.
Authorities are still investigating but have suggested the involvement of a Venezuelan gang. ICE placed both Coleiton and Blanco on a detainer and denied them bond due to the severity of the charges and their legal status.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office emphasized their ongoing commitment to combating human trafficking.
"That female and this guy here that were involved in this, their butts are staying in my jail. They’re not coming out," declared Sheriff Bradshaw, indicating a tough stance against such crimes.
In addition, the ensuing legal process and further investigative work aim to provide justice for the victim and halt any further trafficking activities linked to this network. Sheriff Bradshaw's stark comments reflect a broader frustration with current immigration enforcement and the challenges it presents to local law enforcement.
Human trafficking remains a critical issue nationally, and this case underlines the importance of community tips in unveiling such operations. It also questions the efficiency of existing systems to prevent repeat offenders from perpetrating serious crimes across state lines.
The Sheriff's stern response to the incident, along with a declared focus on keeping the suspects detained, shows determination to address the issue head-on.
This case, pivotal due to its cross-state nature and the minors involved, is likely to be a touchstone in discussions about immigration control and crime prevention in the future.
