Investigation into human trafficking results in arrests of two Finney County individuals
Finney County, Kan. (westernkansasnews.com)–Finney County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an address in Finney County in reference to a landlord versus tenant dispute. Upon arrival, deputies learned the situation involved immigrants from multiple countries being housed at the residence for work. Preliminary investigation discovered the occupants, including some minor children, weren’t being paid or cared for properly. This information led to an investigation into human trafficking.
Multiple search warrants were applied for and granted for the identified addresses where at least 16 individuals were found, some of which were minors.
Arrested were 32-year-old Jose Castillo-Alegria and 38-year-old Betty Palomino on suspicion of human trafficking for transporting at least sixteen individuals into Finney County and housing them at several properties in and around the Garden City, Finney County, KS area for the purposes of labor.
Castillo-Alegria was arrested and lodged in the Finney County Jail and the Finney County Sheriff’s Office is requesting on charges of Aggravated Human Trafficking; Recruit/Harbor/Transport Child under the age of 14, Human Trafficking, Threaten to Withhold Food, Shelter, or Clothes, Crimes of Human Smuggling and Aggravated Human Smuggling.
Palomino was arrested and lodged in the Finney County Jail and the Finney County Sheriff’s Office is requesting the following charges of Aggravated Human Trafficking, Recruit/Harbor/Transport Child under the age of 14, Human Trafficking, Threaten to Withhold Food, Shelter, or Clothes, and Interference of a Law Enforcement Officer.
*The person(s) involved has not yet been convicted of a crime and are presumed innocent. The presumption of innocence shall continue until such time that the person(s) accused may be found guilty by a court of law.*
