Clinton J. Johnson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma
Two Cuban nationals residing 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 that include 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.
According to court records, authorities began investigating after a concerned citizen reported that a local exotic dancer might be a victim of human trafficking in July. Law enforcement interviewed the victim, who stated that Laborde had promised her an opportunity to work in the United States in exchange for a $50,000 fee.
The victim reported 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, and was charged for rent and food. Laborde allegedly forced her to work as an exotic dancer and required her to give all earnings to him and Muir to pay off her debt.
Court documents further allege that the victim was required to cook and clean for the household without pay. She was also forced to engage in a commercial sex act and was allegedly assaulted by Muir while Laborde watched.
The case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Tulsa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jessica Wright and John Brasher are prosecuting.
“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,” stated the release.
Those who are victims of trafficking or suspect trafficking can seek help by calling 1-888-373-7888, texting 233733, or chatting at humantraffickinghotline.org. Suspected trafficking can also be reported by calling 1-866-347-2423 or completing a web form.
