A Mexican national, Serafin Bayona, residing illegally in Lexington, has admitted guilt to charges of financially benefiting from forced labor. The plea was entered on Wednesday before U.S. District Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove.
Bayona, 35, acknowledged his involvement in a scheme where he loaned money to victims—Mexican nationals living in Mexico—to facilitate their smuggling into the United States. Once in the U.S., these individuals were transported to Lexington and housed in properties managed by Bayona. The victims were required to repay their debts with interest after securing employment.
The guilty plea revealed that Bayona imposed additional fees for rent, transportation, and other services. This led to an unending cycle of debt for the victims. When they resisted paying these fees, Bayona resorted to threats of violence against them and their families, including displaying a firearm.
During searches at properties linked to Bayona, authorities discovered over $50,000 in cash tied to his forced labor activities.
The announcement of the guilty plea was made jointly by Carlton S. Shier IV, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky; Michael Stansbury from the FBI's Louisville Field Office; Rana Saoud from Homeland Security Investigations; and Chief Lawrence Weathers of the Lexington Police Department.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Roth following investigations by the FBI, HSI, and Lexington Police Department.
Bayona's sentencing is set for May 7, 2025.