WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Police said 40 people have been arrested for human trafficking in North Carolina, including 30 in Winston-Salem.
The arrests come after an investigation that started in 2009 in response to allegations of organized prostitution in Winston-Salem, according to police.
Officials said the victims have been identified as at least five foreign nationals, including one minor and were trafficked at locations in Winston-Salem.
Police said 25 brothels were identified in North Carolina, nine of which were in Winston-Salem.
Winston-Salem police said the suspects face a total of 76 charges at both the State and Federal levels.
Multiple law enforcement agencies contributed to the investigation including police departments in Asheboro, Durham, Greensboro, Raleigh and Kernersville.
The following have been identified as having key roles in the initiation and/or furtherance of organized prostitution and sex trafficking in Winston-Salem: Mauro Aparicio Hernandez; Augusto Justino Valverde-Morales; Carmina Canton; Deysi Suyapa Rodriguez; Fredi Menendes Garcia; Lorenzo Espinal Almonte; Ondina Lizeht Alonso Hernandez.
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55 y/o woman arrested here in GSO for maintaining a dwelling for prostitution. Total 40 ppl busted in NC. @myfox8 pic.twitter.com/nRWNgDzJJ4
— Lindsey Eaton (@LindseyEatoNews) April 17, 2014
Investigators arrested 30 people in W-S in connection with sex trafficking. Busted total of 25 brothels in NC, 9 in W-S. @myfox8
— Lindsey Eaton (@LindseyEatoNews) April 17, 2014