Attorney General Ashley Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution has successfully secured a 55-year prison sentence for a human trafficker in Orange County. Joselito Martinez, the perpetrator, trafficked three women in the Orlando area, using violence and fear to control the victims. One victim was even branded with tattoos and had her hair forcibly cut off as punishment.
"This human trafficker victimized three women, using violence to force them into sex work. He even branded one victim with tattoos, and forcibly cut her hair as punishment," said Attorney General Ashley Moody. "Thanks to the help of our law enforcement partners and our Statewide Prosecutors, this vile man will remain behind bars for a long, long time."
According to the investigation, Martinez recruited one victim from a dating app and convinced her to move in with promises of drugs and money. Once she was under his control, Martinez forced her into sex work. Through this victim, Martinez came into contact with two other women whom he subsequently forced into sex work as well.
Martinez maintained control over the women by confiscating their phones and money, and forbidding them from contacting anyone without his approval. In a particularly horrific act of punishment, he cut one victim's hair and branded her with tattoos. The tattoos read, "I belong to myself and Jay," and she was also forced to get a tattoo on her pelvis region indicating that she had a certain disease.
After a thorough trial, the court found Martinez guilty of two counts of human trafficking for commercial sexual activity, one count of deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution, one count of unlawful use of a two-way communications device, and one count of tampering with a witness or victim. As a result, Martinez has been sentenced to 55 years in prison.
It is worth noting that Attorney General Moody's Office of Statewide Prosecution handled the case, collaborating closely with law enforcement partners to ensure justice is served.
This successful prosecution serves as a reminder that the fight against human trafficking remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies. The Attorney General's Office, along with its dedicated partners, will continue to work tirelessly to bring traffickers to justice and provide support to the victims of these heinous crimes.