Two individuals in Tuscaloosa County have been arrested and charged with multiple counts of human trafficking related to an alleged scheme involving the importation of immigrants from South America and subjecting them to "forced servitude" under fear of deportation.
Last week, Vance Police arrested Alex Francisco Ramirez, 41, of Woodstock, and a woman identified only by her last name, Sarabia Reyes. Both were charged with multiple counts of human trafficking and placed in the Tuscaloosa County Jail. The pair quickly posted their $10,000 bond but were then arrested by federal immigration officials.
Court documents were readily available for Ramirez. However, 1819 News could not locate specific charging information for Sarabia Reyes.
According to court documents, Ramirez facilitated the arrival of at least two Guatemalan men to the United States. After which, Ramirez is accused of subjecting the men to "forced servitude for [Ramirez's] financial benefit."
Court records do not confirm if the men came here illegally or under one of any innumerable federal programs. However, case details highly favor the former.
Ramirez allegedly secured fraudulent California ID cards for the men, as well as jobs at the industrial wood products company, KyKenKee, in Vance. Ramirez reportedly used his own name and social security number to get one man a job and fraudulently used the information of someone else to secure the job of the other.
He would then force the men to cash their paychecks at the El Sabor Latina, a grocery store where Ramirez was employed, under threat of deportation. Ramirez would also allegedly withhold all the man's official documents to force compliance and weekly payments. Court records state both men paid Ramirez over $17,000 each.
Law enforcement claims they believe more people are involved in both sides of the scheme, both as victims and perpetrators.
"At the time of arrest, several victims had provided information, but it is believed that there are many more victims," the Vance Police Department said. "Furthermore, it is suspected that additional individuals are involved in this operation. The Vance Police Department urges anyone with information or who may be a victim to come forward. All information and names will be kept confidential. The department would like to thank the Woodstock Police Department for their assistance in serving search warrants inside their jurisdiction."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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