In a troubling case out of Louisiana, federal prosecutors have charged three individuals with running a sex trafficking operation that exploited vulnerable women. The accused, Zaira Lopez-Oliva, Kirsis Castellanos-Kirington, and Jesus Lopez, known by the alias “El Perro,” allegedly orchestrated this illegal activity in Baton Rouge, using the messaging app WhatsApp to solicit clients.
The operation was uncovered when a concerned individual provided the FBI with WhatsApp screenshots from El Perro. The images reportedly depicted scantily clad women, part of a so-called “menu” offered to potential clients, some of whom were as young as 18. According to court documents, these women were coerced into performing sexual acts for payments ranging from $40 to $60.
Authorities believe that Castellanos-Kirington and Lopez-Oliva played significant roles in aiding Lopez with various facets of the trafficking scheme. Their alleged involvement included logistics and coordination of the victims within the operation.
A key piece of evidence came from surveillance footage captured near the New Orleans Airport, where Lopez-Oliva and Lopez were reportedly seen together in a pickup truck. This image, shared by the Department of Justice, underscores the collaborative nature of their alleged criminal activities.
As the investigation unfolds, the charges against these individuals highlight the ongoing battle against human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in the United States. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and swift action to dismantle such operations.
Prosecutors said Lopez-Oliva helped Lopez transport victims to and from the New Orleans Airport. In one surveillance video screenshot shared by the Department of Justice, prosecutors said Lopez-Oliva was seen inside a pickup truck with Lopez near the New Orleans Airport.
Castellanos-Kirington and Lopez-Oliva both helped Lopez “maintain the operation” at the two locations in Baton Rouge when he was unable to, the documents state.
The complaint detailed that clients of the sex trafficking ring were anywhere from 18 to 60 years old.
Zaira Lopez-Oliva and Kirsis Castellanos-Kirington allegedly entering an apartment. (DOJ)
When federal agents raided the house where the operation was based, one of the victims said she was in financial trouble and got Lopez’s contact information from a friend, prosecutors said. She was allegedly informed when she arrived in Louisiana that she’d be performing sex acts for male clients. Two of the victims interviewed were also illegal immigrants.
The female victim allegedly told prosecutors that she wouldn’t be paid at all on Mondays and Tuesdays, and would only get to keep $20 if a client paid $40, with the rest going to Lopez.
Zaira Lopez-Oliva as seen at a gas station. (DOJ)
One of the victims also told investigators that she “was not allowed to leave or tell anyone what she was doing,” and if she told anyone, Lopez would “kill her.”
All three suspects are charged with sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion as well as aiding and abetting.
