Police in Illinois arrested five individuals suspected of involvement in a human trafficking operation.
FOX 32 reports that St. Charles police received information about a brothel in a local apartment but subsequently learned that the alleged activity was taking place in multiple locations.
According to officials, the investigation lasted several months, and ten victims were provided temporary housing.
Martha Hurtado-Hernandez, 57, and four males were arrested during the investigation: Daniel Hurtado, 26, Rigoberto Parra, 46, and Christian Hurtado, 27.
The five suspects transported the alleged victims to the U.S. from South America allegedly trafficked and promoted prostitution.
They are accused of Trafficking in Persons, Involuntary Servitude, and Promoting Prostitution, all of which are Class 1 felonies.
Kane County State’s Attorney Jamie Mosser stated, “When law enforcement goes in, especially if they focus on this, for what the victim is doing, they considered a sex act, and they charged them with prostitution, all that causes the traffickers to move to a different location.”
