In a shocking revelation, six migrants in Omaha, Nebraska, face serious charges involving the trafficking of underage girls, spotlighting a critical issue far from the metropolitan hubs.
At a Glance
- Six migrants arrested for trafficking underage girls in Omaha.
- The suspects advertised the minors online for sexual services.
- Investigators linked the suspects through phone numbers in online ads.
- Concerns about the suspects’ immigration statuses have arisen.
The Operation Uncovered
Omaha law enforcement officials arrested six migrants, five men and one woman, accused of trafficking two young girls aged 15 and 16. The arrests took place after a successful investigation identified the suspects from phone numbers listed in online advertisements offering illicit services. The suspects, including Eduardo Perdomo and Alfredo Zambrano-Hurtado, face serious charges of sex trafficking of minors. These events have raised eyebrows as Omaha is not typically associated with such crimes.
Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine expressed the reality of trafficking crimes in smaller cities: “I think sometimes people don’t believe that hey, sex trafficking can’t happen in Omaha, Nebraska. We’re not in a gigantic city. We’re not in places that you would expect it, but it certainly can. And this is an example of how it can happen.”
Details of the Arrest
The migrants reportedly utilized websites like Backpage and City Vibe to advertise the teens’ services, orchestrating their operation from Denver to Omaha. Investigators connected Perdomo’s online activities, where explicit images of the minors were discovered, leading to his arrest. Among the serious accusations he faces are sex trafficking of a minor and possession of child pornography, with his bond set at $10 million.
Human trafficking: Immigration ‘arrest 7 girls’ https://t.co/2UT3oBj5se pic.twitter.com/0j0exWi0N5
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Broader Trafficking Network
The Omaha arrests form just a part of a larger crackdown on a sprawling human trafficking network with national implications. Investigation “Operation Extended Stay” uncovered evidence suggesting coordination of sex trafficking operations via call centers in Florida and California. The network’s profit from illicit activities is estimated to range from $2 million to $3 million, highlighting the pervasiveness of such illegal enterprises.
“Fifteen women have been arrested in connection with a vast human trafficking operation with ties to the Omaha area.” – Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
Local authorities collaborated with national agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security, ensuring a comprehensive approach to dismantling these operations. Surveillance and analytical support were provided by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Nebraska State Patrol, and Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office. Moreover, Creighton University experts joined efforts in this significant human trafficking investigation.
Sources
1. Diverse Migrants Arrested for Teen Sex Trafficking in Nebraska
2. 15 arrests made in vast human-trafficking operation with ties to Omaha area
