Three Cuban citizens have been sentenced in Houston, Texas, for their involvement in sex trafficking and other related crimes within the city's strip clubs. Rasiel Gutierrez Moreno, 38, received a sentence exceeding 17 years, while Hendry Jimenez Milanes, 39, was sentenced to 10 years. Rafael Mendoza Labrada, 29, the third defendant, received a sentence of over two years, equivalent to his time already served.
The Justice Department stated that Moreno was also ordered to pay restitution of $451,298, and Milanes was ordered to pay $359,108.
Michaels' International in Houston. (Google Maps)
U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani condemned the actions of the traffickers, saying, "These individuals preyed on vulnerable female migrants, exploiting them for personal profit through Houston's strip clubs, psychological manipulation, and sexual violence. These victims sought a better life in the United States, and the defendants cruelly exploited their vulnerability." Moreno pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and interstate travel in aid of racketeering. He admitted to transporting women from Cuba to the U.S., burdening them with exorbitant smuggling debts of $30,000. He then forced these women into prostitution at Houston strip clubs like Michaels' International, where they were compelled to engage in sexual acts with customers, with Moreno pocketing the proceeds. Moreno confessed to exploiting at least 20 women in this manner and maintaining control over one woman in particular. He also boasted about using violence against other women and their families.
In one instance, Moreno assaulted a woman and ensured another victim witnessed the injuries. When one woman managed to escape, Moreno contacted her family in Miami and Cuba, demanding her return to work and full payment of her debt. Milanes pleaded guilty last year to coercion and enticement, while Labrada pleaded guilty to interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
