Inset: Ramiro Caal Jolomna (Chester County Prison). Background: Dave Sunday, seen in the Forum Auditorium near the Capitol, after being sworn in as Pennsylvania’s attorney general on Jan. 21, 2025, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy).
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that his office has lodged human trafficking charges against a 36-year-old mushroom farmer accused of exploiting two teenage girls by compelling them to perform arduous labor for little to no compensation.
Ramiro Caal Jolomna has been charged with human trafficking, false imprisonment, and involuntary servitude, among other allegations. According to the AG’s office, Jolomna imposed “debts” on two girls, aged 14 and 17, for bringing them into the country. He coerced them into laboring long hours, every day of the week, for “minimal or zero pay” at a farm located in Chester County, close to Philadelphia, as per the AG’s office.
If they did not work hard enough, Jolomna would threaten to punish or deport them, authorities said.
“The facts of this situation are troubling as they involve an individual exploiting vulnerable young girls who aimed to earn an honest livelihood to support their families abroad,” Sunday stated. “Although labor trafficking does not frequently make the news, it is a merciless and degrading practice that entraps victims in a cycle of desperation and silence.”
Jolomna facilitated the 14-year-old’s move from Mexico to Pennsylvania. He compelled her to endure continuous 16-hour workdays throughout the week, thereafter requiring her to hand over her earnings to him or his spouse. She was also obliged to perform cleaning duties in Jolomna’s residence.
The 17-year-old migrated from Guatemala, hoping to financially assist her ailing father back home. However, Jolomna allegedly seized the majority of her earnings, leaving her with barely any funds.
The defendant was arraigned on the charges and is at the Chester County Prison on a $1 million bond. His next court date is scheduled for Oct. 3.
