Mexican Sex Trafficker Sentenced to 15 Years
A Mexican individual involved in sex trafficking has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for orchestrating violent prostitution operations across the United States for nearly a decade.
Last Thursday, Hugo Hernandez Belazuquez admitted to one count of sex trafficking after leading a network that exploited “power, fraud, and coercion” to force young women from Mexico into prostitution within the U.S.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that Hernandez Belazuquez’s illegal activities were aided by his brothers—Ernesto, Giovanni, and Arcelia Hernandez Belazuquez.
“Members of the family organization lured victims into seemingly romantic relationships with false assurances of love and support, pushing them to travel to the U.S. under the illusion of a better life,” the DOJ explained.
This family-run operation trafficked women across multiple states, including New York, Alabama, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, and several others.
“The defendant subjected victims to physical abuse, forced abortions, and threats of violence against their families to compel them to continue in prostitution,” the statement highlighted.
Hernandez-Velazquez’s trafficking ring began in 2001 and continued until 2009.
After being extradited from Mexico to the U.S. in February 2021, Hernandez Belazuquez is set for deportation once his prison term ends.
“For nearly a decade, the defendant and his family executed a vicious sex trafficking operation that relied on violence and manipulation, leading many women into romantic traps filled with false hope,” stated special agent Ricky J. Patel.
“Daily, victims are often targeted for human trafficking and face exploitation and abuse from those they trust. Today’s ruling is undoubtedly a reflection of the bravery of each survivor who came forward,” he added.
Previously, a U.S. district court had also convicted Hernandez Belazuquez’s brothers on similar sex trafficking charges. Ernesto and Giovanni received sentences of 210 months, while Arcelia, who pleaded guilty to a violation of the Mann Act, was sentenced to approximately 60 months in prison.
