A four-count indictment was recently unsealed in the Middle District of Tennessee, charging eight Venezuelan nationals with offenses related to their roles in a transnational commercial sex enterprise. The defendants include Yilibeth del Carmen Rivero-De Caldera, Kleiver Daniel Mota-Rivero, Yuribetzi Del Valle Gomez Machuca, Wilmarys Del Valle Manzano Solorzano, Frankyanna Del Valle Romero-Rivero, Endrik Alexander Morales-Rivero, Jesus Enrique Castillo Rodriguez, and Ariannys Beatriz Gutierrez-Carrillo.
The court documents allege that these individuals operated an illegal commercial sex and sex trafficking enterprise out of Nashville motels from July 2022 through March 2024. They reportedly used online platforms to advertise victims for commercial sex acts and directed buyers to engage with the victims at motels. Proceeds from these activities were allegedly collected for the defendants' benefit.
Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire emphasized the commitment to combating human trafficking: “This indictment demonstrates our commitment to stop human trafficking whenever and wherever we find it, and to hold those involved accountable.” He added that they are targeting transnational criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua (TdA).
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville's Rana Saoud described the operation as a significant step forward against human trafficking: “The success of this operation...is a significant step forward in our ongoing battle against human trafficking and transnational organized crime.”
TBI Director David Rausch assured continued efforts against such crimes: “We will not allow TdA – or any criminal organization – to get a stronghold in Tennessee.”
Special Agent Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office called human trafficking "among the most heinous crimes," while Jim Scott from DEA's Louisville Division highlighted Tren de Aragua's involvement in other criminal activities including drug sales.
Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake reiterated his department’s focus on investigating human trafficking: “Our police department will always make human trafficking an investigative priority.”
Three defendants face additional charges for conspiring to use force and coercion in sex trafficking linked to alleged ties with Tren de Aragua. Kleiver Daniel Mota-Rivero is also charged with possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including TBI, HSI, FBI, DEA, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, and others coordinated under OCDETF.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke K. Schiferle along with Trial Attorneys Lindsey Roberson and Jessica Arco are prosecuting the case.
Victims of human trafficking are encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888 for assistance available around-the-clock.
An indictment remains an allegation until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
