A federal indictment was unsealed in the Middle District of Tennessee, charging eight Venezuelan nationals with offenses related to their roles in a transnational commercial sex enterprise. The defendants, identified as Yilibeth del Carmen Rivero-De Caldera, Kleiver Daniel Mota-Rivero, Yuribetzi Del Valle Gomez Machuca, Wilmarys Del Valle Manzano Solorzano, Frankyanna Del Valle Romero-Rivero, Endrik Alexander Morales-Rivero, Jesus Enrique Castillo Rodriguez, and Ariannys Beatriz Gutierrez-Carrillo, are accused of operating an illegal commercial sex and sex trafficking operation out of Nashville motels from July 2022 through March 2024.
According to the indictment, the defendants facilitated the victims' arrival in the United States and used online platforms to advertise them for commercial sex. They allegedly directed buyers to engage with the victims at motels and collected proceeds for their benefit.
Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire stated: "This indictment demonstrates our commitment to stop human trafficking whenever and wherever we find it." Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Nashville's Rana Saoud highlighted the importance of collaboration among agencies in combating such crimes.
TBI Director David Rausch expressed gratitude for local and federal partnerships that helped investigate this case. He affirmed ongoing efforts against human trafficking in Tennessee. Special Agent Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI emphasized commitment to rescuing victims and prosecuting traffickers.
Jim Scott from the DEA's Louisville Division noted Tren de Aragua's involvement in various criminal activities beyond human trafficking. Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake stressed prioritizing human trafficking investigations regardless of suspects' origins.
The grand jury charged all eight defendants with facilitating recruitment from impoverished regions in Venezuela and other countries for commercial sex acts in Nashville. Three individuals face additional charges related to a conspiracy involving force or coercion linked to Tren de Aragua.
Kleiver Daniel Mota-Rivero is further charged with firearm possession by an illegal alien. If convicted on conspiracy charges related to sex trafficking, defendants could face life imprisonment.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including TBI, HSI, FBI, DEA, Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, and Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force partners across jurisdictions.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brooke K. Schiferle along with Trial Attorneys Lindsey Roberson and Jessica Arco are prosecuting this case.
Anyone suspecting human trafficking is urged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline available 24/7 at 1 (888) 373-7888 or visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org for more information.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.