Shocking Developments in Omaha: Migrants Charged with Heinous Crimes

Person in handcuffs with colorful lights in background.

A shocking sex trafficking case in Omaha, Nebraska, has unfolded, involving six migrants charged with exploiting two teenage girls.

At a Glance

  • Six migrants charged with sex trafficking two minors in Omaha.
  • Investigators tracked suspects through phone numbers associated with illicit ads.
  • Among the accused, some reportedly reside illegally in the U.S.
  • Case highlights that sex trafficking can occur in smaller cities.

The Arrests and Charges

Six migrants, including five men and one woman, were arrested in Omaha for orchestrating a sex trafficking ring that exploited two teenage girls. The victims, aged 15 and 16, were found in a room at the AmericInn. Eduardo Perdomo, 26, and Alfredo Zambrano-Hurtado, 24, played key roles transporting the victims from Denver and advertising them online for prostitution.

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine highlighted the seriousness of such crimes occurring even in places like Omaha, stating, “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.”

The Investigation

The investigation led authorities to apprehend the suspects after contacting the phone numbers listed in the illicit online ads. Investigators discovered explicit images of the minors on Perdomo’s phone, further incriminating the group. Charges include sex trafficking of minors and possession of child pornography, with bonds set at up to $10 million.

Zambrano-Hurtado and Martinez-Gonzalez face similar charges with bonds at $5 million each, while Chaudhari, charged with first-degree sexual assault, is held without bond.

Operation Extended Stay

“Operation Extended Stay,” a lengthy investigation lasting over a year, culminated with the arrests in April. It connected a larger human trafficking network involving call centers in Florida and California. Fifteen women were arrested, and additional charges might be filed against individuals identified as “owners.”

Searches across multiple cities uncovered assets linked to the ring, including large sums of money and physical properties. Profits were reportedly funneled to stakeholders across various locations. Federal agencies and local law enforcement cooperated in the operation, benefiting from expertise provided by Creighton University.

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

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