Omaha Authorities Detain Six in High-Profile Trafficking Investigation

Person in handcuffs during police interrogation scene

The arrest of six migrants in Omaha exposes the grim reality of sex trafficking within the city, involving minors.

At a Glance

  • Six migrants arrested for trafficking two teen girls in Omaha, Nebraska.
  • The operation involved advertising victims online and transporting them from Denver.
  • High-profile arrests demonstrate illicit activities in unexpected communities.
  • Ongoing investigation may yield additional charges and arrests.

Operation Details and Arrests

Omaha, Nebraska’s law enforcement arrested six migrants on charges tied to trafficking two teenage girls. The arrested individuals, including five men and one woman, orchestrated the movement of the victims, aged 15 and 16, from Denver to Omaha. Advertisements for illicit services were posted online, leading to their exploitation.

Investigators traced telephone numbers linked to the ads, resulting in the apprehension of Eduardo Perdomo, Alfredo Zambrano-Hurtado, and others. These suspects face severe charges, including the trafficking of minors and possession of child pornography.

Impact on the Local Community

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine underscored the unexpected nature of such crimes in smaller cities. “I think sometimes people don’t believe that hey, sex trafficking can’t happen in Omaha, Nebraska. We’re not in a gigantic city. We’re not in a places that you would expect it, but it certainly can. And this is an example of how it can happen.” This case highlights the vulnerabilities in communities across America.

The arrests expose a complex human trafficking network involving illegal immigration and online exploitation, emphasizing the need for vigilant local and national efforts to combat such crimes.

Broader Investigative Efforts

The arrests were part of “Operation Extended Stay,” an extensive year-long investigation into human trafficking. According to the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, numerous assets tied to the ring, such as bank accounts and vehicles, were identified, with an estimated operational earning of up to $3 million. Coordination involved call centers in Florida and California.

“The lengthy investigation, “Operation Extended Stay,” was conducted over more than a year, wrapping up April 10,” stated the Sheriff’s Office. The operation illustrates the dedication of law enforcement agencies in addressing human trafficking.

International stakeholders profited from the operation, highlighting both the intricacy of the trafficking networks and the robust law enforcement response required to dismantle them.

Sources

1. 15 arrests made in vast human-trafficking operation with ties to Omaha area​

2. Diverse Migrants Arrested for Teen Sex Trafficking in Nebraska