Jason M. Frierson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
A Las Vegas resident, Rafael Juan Mitjans, appeared in court on Thursday facing allegations of forced labor trafficking. The case was presented before United States Magistrate Judge Brenda N. Weksler.
Court documents and statements allege that from September 2023 to July 2024, Mitjans confiscated passports and identification documents from three Cuban victims to restrict their movement and maintain control over their labor. It is further alleged that between June and September 2023, he falsely assured the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services that he would provide for the victims' basic needs, including accommodation, meals, and personal items.
On March 12, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted Mitjans on multiple charges: three counts each of forced labor, unlawful conduct concerning documents in support of trafficking and forced labor, and false statements on immigration forms. A jury trial is set for May 19, 2025, under United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II.
If found guilty, Mitjans could face up to 20 years in prison. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines among other factors.
The announcement came from Acting United States Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada along with HSI Las Vegas acting Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes Jr.
The investigation involved HSI alongside the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department with assistance from several agencies including the Clark County School District Police Department and the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Inspector General.
Assistant United States Attorney Steven Rose is leading the prosecution. Individuals aware of criminal violations related to forced labor are encouraged to contact Homeland Security Investigations via their tip line or online form.
It is important to note that an indictment is an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
