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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 case information is provided through Lornet Turnbull's Seattle Times article "Pair Accused of Smuggling, Enslaving Illegal Immigrants," which was published on 11/27/09. The traffickers are Pacific couple Maria Bartola Santos-Gonzalez, 63, and Juan Gonzalez-Guerra, 55. Their son also has probable links to their operation. Between October 2006 and August 2007, the couple smuggled illegal immigrants to Pacific from Aguascalientes, Mexico for $3000-$3500 each. There are eight identified victims, including an eight-year-old girl who alleges that Gonzalez-Guerra sexually molested her, and her seven-year-old brother, who alleges that Santos-Gonzalez physically abused him. Some worked as domestic servants while others, through phony work permits, worked in jobs in construction and agriculture. Most were forced to live in a 20x25foot detached two-car garage. They were limited to two meals per day, and the refrigerator was locked in the interim. They were coerced to remain in their trafficking situation by threats: "The couple threatened to 'cut out their tongues' if they told anyone about what happened." They also "told the immigrants the police wouldn't listen to them anyway because they were undocumented."
Response and intervention
Since police were contacted by the church counselor, they have pursued the case. Investigations have led to a state case set for February 11, 2010, and a federal case set for March 10, 2010. "Santos-Gonzalez and Gonzalez-Guerra face multiple counts of federal conspiracy to smuggle and harbor aliens. Individually, Santos-Gonzalez was charged with conspiracy to commit visa fraud. At their arraignment last month, both pleaded not guilty to all counts. In addiction to the federal charges, the state of Washington is charging Gonzalez-Guerra with first-degree child molestation and his wife with third-degree assault on a child. The couple were first arrested on those charges by Pacific police in July, posted bail, and then were rearrested in October after the federal grand-jury indictment." On account of her eight-year-old daughter's sexual assault by Gonzalez-Guerra, the mother told a church counselor about the abuses. The counselor proceeded to inform the girl's school counselor as well as the local police. The article did not go into details of victim aftercare.