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Documented on the original SlaveryMap (2008–2016). We don’t have a verifiable source on file yet. Know one?
What happened
The operation was run by Antonio Molina and approximately 5 others. They trafficked approximately 70 women into the US from Honduras and other Latin American countries. They were promised jobs as hostesses and maids, instead they were forced to work as prostitutes in bars and night clubs. They were housed in apartments with guards and were under constant surveillance.
Response and intervention
On may 29th 6 people were charged with federal immigration violations. In January 2003, 3 of the men (including Molina) were sentenced to 52 months in prison on one count of conspiracy to smuggle, transport, and harbor illegal aliens. The three others were sentenced to 34 months, 63 months, and 27 months. The FBI raided multiple bars and nightclubs in Fort Worth, rescuing 70 women. Molina and his accomplices were arrested. They were taken into protective custody and others were sent to safe houses. Some of the victims chose to return home to Honduras. The INS in Dallas took in some of the victims, and the ones who returned to Honduras were cared for by Casa Alianza. Casa Alianza is a human rights organization in Central America that helped to reintegrate the women back into society.