FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects for alleged human trafficking.
On Tuesday, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an address in Finney County in reference to a landlord versus tenant dispute, according to a media release.
Deputies learned the situation involved immigrants from multiple countries being housed at the residence for work. Preliminary investigation discovered the occupants, including some minor children, weren’t being paid or cared for properly.
This information led to an investigation into human trafficking. Multiple search warrants were applied for and granted for the identified addresses where at least 16 individuals were found, some of which were minors.
Deputies arrested 32-year-old Jose Castillo-Alegria and 38-year-old Betty Palomino on requested charges of human trafficking for transporting at least sixteen individuals into Finney County and housing them at several properties in and around the Garden City, Finney County, KS area for the purposes of labor.
Castillo-Alegria is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Human Trafficking; Recruit/Harbor/Transport Child > 14• Human Trafficking; Threaten to Withhold Food, Shelter, or Clothes, Crimes of Human Smuggling and Aggravated Human Smuggling
Palomino is jailed on requested charges:of Aggravated Human Trafficking; Recruit/Harbor/Transport Child > 14• Human Trafficking; Threaten to Withhold Food, Shelter, or Clothes and Interference of a Law Enforcement Officer