SAN ANTONIO, Texas (WOAI) — Two individuals have been apprehended and charged with running a labor trafficking ring camouflaged as a trucking enterprise, shedding light on a disturbing exploitation scenario.

Uncovering the Operation

Jose De Jesus Velasquez, 35, and Juan Carlos Velasquez-Flores, 27, were arrested on charges of continuous trafficking of persons, a first-degree felony, following a tip-off received by the San Antonio Police on July 8, 2023, via the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Exploitation Tactics

The investigation revealed that the operation preyed on vulnerable individuals, including a 57-year-old man from Mexico who initially arrived in the United States on a work visa for farm labor. Promised employment and a new work visa, the victim was recruited by Velasquez to work as a truck driver and mechanic at VSR Transportation.

Forced Labor and Threats

Despite assurances of fair compensation, the victim reported being paid minimally for his work and coerced into driving commercial trucks into northern states, violating mandated work-rest cycles. When he demanded proper payment, he faced threats of deportation and false accusations of theft, highlighting the pervasive intimidation tactics employed by the perpetrators.

Multi-Victim Exploitation

Further interviews with other victims revealed a pattern of exploitation, with multiple individuals subjected to similar fraudulent schemes. The suspects, Velasquez and Velasquez-Flores, are currently held at Bexar County Jail on $100,000 bond each.

Conclusion: Exposing Exploitation and Seeking Justice

The arrests of Velasquez and Velasquez-Flores underscore the ongoing threat of human trafficking and forced labor in communities nationwide. As law enforcement agencies continue their efforts to combat such exploitation, it is imperative to raise awareness and support initiatives aimed at protecting vulnerable populations.

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