Tijuana Adult Entertainment: Sex trafficker gets 24-year prison term
SAN DIEGO, July 27 (UPI) — A man who was convicted of smuggling two women from Mexico to Vista, Calif., and forcing them to work as prostitutes was sentenced to 24 years in prison.
Adrian Zitlalpopoca-Hernandez, 33, was arrested in 2008 following an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement of prostitution rings in San Diego North County. After a 3-day trial, Zitlalpopoca was convicted Jan. 6 of 10 counts of prostitution and smuggling, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.
Federal Judge Roger Benitez handed down the 24-year sentence Monday, also ordering Zitlalpopoca to pay his two victims $1.4 million.
U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy expressed hope that the case would “send a message of hope to victims who may seek the protection of the law, regardless of their status or station.”