Federal prosecutors have announced the indictment of eleven individuals, comprising Venezuelan and Colombian nationals, in a wide-ranging, multi-state criminal investigation. The charges allege the defendants engaged in sex trafficking of a minor and an adult woman, alongside drug dealing and illegal firearms trade. The Department of Justice stated that ten of the accused are currently present in the United States without legal authorization. Coordinated law enforcement operations on Tuesday led to the arrest of ten defendants across Ohio, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Florida, while one individual remains at large.
Federal Charges Unsealed
A 30-count federal indictment, which was returned on June 11 and unsealed on Tuesday, outlines the accusations. It alleges that four of the defendants conspired between July and August 2025 to traffic a minor and an adult woman for sexual exploitation. The Department of Justice's public statement contained a discrepancy regarding the minor's age, referring to the alleged victim as 17 in one part and 14 in a quote from the U.S. attorney. Authorities further indicated that the defendants traveled across state lines to facilitate prostitution and created online advertisements for commercial sex services, particularly within the central Ohio region.
Allegations of Trafficking and Illegal Trade
Beyond the alleged sex trafficking activities, prosecutors contend that members of the group were also involved in the sale of ecstasy and the trafficking of firearms, including at least nine distinct weapons. Several defendants face additional charges for illegally possessing firearms while residing in the country without authorization.
Law Enforcement Response
U.S. Attorney Dominick S. Gerace II commented on the case, stating:
"These defendants — ten of whom are currently illegally present in this country — allegedly engaged in a panoply of illicit trafficking activity, from drugs to firearms to human beings. We have no tolerance for anybody who commits such crimes in our communities, and we will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law."
The charges are the result of an investigation spearheaded by a Homeland Security Task Force.
FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge Jason Cromartie emphasized the commitment to public safety:
"We will continue to work hard to keep Ohio safe and get narcotics, firearms, and violent criminals off the streets."
Acting Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit Special Agent in Charge Jared Murphey underscored that the indictment highlights the task force's dedication to safeguarding communities from transnational criminal organizations. These organizations are accused of exploiting vulnerable individuals while engaging in drug and firearms trafficking.
Identities of the Accused
Among those facing charges are six individuals residing in Ohio:
- Jean Pierre Alejandro Guillen Salcedo, 30, a Venezuelan national from Hilliard
- Taidin Adreina Ferrer Guillen, 34, a Venezuelan national from Hilliard
- Pedro Angel Colls-Flores, 34, a Venezuelan national from Columbus
- Alismar Daniela Contreras-Arevalo, 20, a Venezuelan national from Columbus
- Briyi Daniela Ordonez-Iter, 21, a Colombian national from Hilliard
- Julian David Patino Pena, 33, a Colombian national from Columbus
Two other defendants are Venezuelan nationals living in Tennessee:
- John Alexandre Fajardo-Ulzcategui, 27, from Smyrna
- Jose Ruben Sanchez-Pena, 34, from Smyrna
The remaining individuals indicted are:
- Keivar Elian Guillen Salcedo, 26, a Venezuelan national from Charlotte, North Carolina
- Therry Brayant Leon Gavida, 34, a Venezuelan national from Jacksonville, Florida
- Dervin Alejandro Colmenares Quintero, 29, a Venezuelan national whose residence is listed as Mexico
Broader Enforcement Initiative
The Department of Justice noted that this case falls under the purview of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative. This initiative was established following President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14159, titled "Protecting the American People Against Invasion," and aims to target transnational criminal organizations, foreign gangs, human trafficking networks, and violent criminal aliens operating within the United States.
It is important to remember that an indictment contains allegations only, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
