Two Cuban nationals living in Tulsa have been charged with multiple counts related to sex and labor trafficking, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson.
Oscar Alejandro Laborde Ricardo, 24, and his wife, Yenney Muir Naranjo, 24, both from Cuba, face charges including conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit forced labor, forced labor, and interstate travel to aid racketeering. Laborde is also charged with document servitude.
Authorities began investigating after receiving a tip in July from a concerned citizen who suspected a local exotic dancer was a victim of human trafficking. When officers spoke with the alleged victim, she reported that Laborde promised her a job opportunity in the United States in exchange for a $50,000 fee.
The victim said that after arriving in the United States, Laborde took her Cuban passport and birth certificate. She was required to live with the defendants until her debt was paid off and was also charged for rent and food. According to court documents, Laborde forced her to work as an exotic dancer and required her to give all her earnings to Laborde and Muir to pay off her debt.
The documents further allege that the victim was made to cook and clean without pay. She was also forced to engage in a commercial sex act and was allegedly assaulted by Muir while Laborde watched.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department are leading the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Wright and John Brasher are prosecuting the case.
“A criminal complaint and indictment are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law,” the release stated.
Anyone who is a victim of trafficking can seek help by calling 1-888-373-7888, texting 233733, or chatting at humantraffickinghotline.org. Suspected cases of trafficking can be reported by calling 1-866-347-2423 or completing the web form.
