Major Human Trafficking Ring Busted: Illinois Authorities Dismantle Operation In Six Chicago Suburbs, 7 Victims Rescued

The arrests of five individuals were made following a months-long investigation into human trafficking.

The suspects are accused of forcing seven women from South America into prostitution or facing severe consequences. The victims were brought to the United States for the purpose of sex trafficking. On Wednesday morning, the seven victims were taken into protective custody.

The individuals arrested in connection with the operation are Hector Briseno, 54, of Chicago; Christian Hurtado, 27, of Elgin; Daniel Hurtado, 26, of South Elgin; Martha P. Hurtado-Hernandez, 57, of Chicago; and Rigoberto Parra, 46, of Aurora. All of the suspects have been charged with involuntary servitude, trafficking in persons for labor, and promoting prostitution for profit.

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Judge Salvatore LoPiccolo set bail for each suspect at $5 million with $500,000 to apply for bond, according to the state’s attorney’s office.

July 22, 2023

In a statement, the Kane County State's Attorney's Office described the defendants' actions: "The defendants procured locations for the commercial sexual activity, transported the victims to the locations to engage in the sexual activity and advertised that the victims were available for commercial sexual activity. The defendants physically restrained the victims by confining them to a residence, intimidated the victims with threats if they did not engage in the sexual activity, and maintained financial control over the victims."

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The investigation initially uncovered a brothel in St. Charles, a suburb of Chicago. However, authorities soon discovered that the human-trafficking enterprise extended to Aurora, Chicago, Elgin, Hanover Park, unincorporated Palatine, and South Elgin.

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Kane County State's Attorney Jamie Mosser commended the St. Charles Police Department for recognizing the situation as human trafficking and treating the individuals involved as victims rather than offenders.

Mosser also expressed gratitude to the Aurora, Elgin, Hanover Park, and South Elgin police departments, as well as the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, for their assistance in the investigation.

The suspects are scheduled to appear in court on July 28.