An Illinois woman was arrested on suspicion of trafficking a Mexican immigrant she helped enter the country, forcing her to pay off a “debt” by working from her home and threatening to kill her relatives if she didn’t comply. .
Gladys Ybanez-Orea, 34, was charged with human trafficking and involuntary manslaughter for allegedly confining two women and two children without their will at her Highland Park home in the 500 block of Onwentsia Avenue. He was charged with servitude.
According to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, a 19-year-old woman and her 2-year-old son, and a 22-year-old woman and her 15-year-old brother were rescued from their home on February 1st. Seven people have been moved to a safe location and are receiving services.
Gladys Ybanez-Orea, 34, was charged with human trafficking and involuntary manslaughter for allegedly confining two women and two children without their will at her Highland Park home in the 500 block of Onwentsia Avenue. He was charged with servitude.
What is human trafficking?
Police say Olea brought the migrants to the United States around July 2023, promising them housing, safety and jobs. However, after her arrival, she took possession of their identification documents, cash, and other items. The adult victims did not know each other at the time, and the juvenile victims did not know each other at the time.
Olea forced the adult victims and a 15-year-old boy to work to pay off a “debt” to safely enter the United States.
The victims were forced to hand over the money they had earned to Olea. The “debt” they owed Olea continued to grow, and it seemed highly unlikely that they would be able to repay that “debt”.
The victims were under Olea’s control, and he placed padlocks around cupboards and refrigerators to control what and when the victims ate.
Lake County Sheriff’s Office vehicle. (Facebook)
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In addition, Olea allegedly created a false identity document for the 15-year-old victim to make it appear she was 19 years old, forcing her to work instead of attending school.
Olea planned to give her 2-year-old a cold bath to prevent him from sleeping during the day and increase his sleep time at night.
The victims were also told that if they did not comply with Olea’s orders, their remaining family members in Mexico would be killed as well.
Olea has been charged with eight counts of human trafficking, three counts of involuntary servitude, and four counts of involuntary servitude, but could face additional charges.
A map of Illinois that pinpoints the 500 block of Onwentsia Avenue. (Google Maps)
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“Human trafficking is a serious problem across the United States and right here in Lake County,” said Sheriff John D. Idleberg.
“We are grateful that the four victims were rescued from their abusers and no longer live in fear. Traffickers prey on the vulnerability of their victims and exploit them for personal gain. To do.”
“While our task force has rescued many victims over the past few years, rescuing victims while holding traffickers accountable remains our top priority.”
