First Round of Coyotes from Sex Trafficking Conspiracy Sentenced to Prison

HOUSTON, TX —The first three of a group of six men convicted in a conspiracy to traffick minors across international borders for sex were sentenced to federal prison.

Jose William Quintanilla, 41, and Adelio De Jesus Batres, 53, both from El Salvador, pleaded guilty to the conspiracy to trafficking multiple women and girls under the age of 18 into the U.S. for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts.

Hugo Alexander Melendez-Gonzalez, 38, also from El Salvador, pleaded guilty to trafficking one particular minor.

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All three men employed women and underage girls, transported them to various apartments throughout the Houston area for the purpose of engaging in sex and shared in the proceeds derived from the illegal activity. Most, if not all, of the females were also aliens illegally within the U.S.

Melendez-Gonzalez and Batres were each sentenced to 27 years in prison, Quintanilla was given 30 years. U.S. District Judge David Hittner, who handed down the sentences, also ordered the men to pay about $90,000 in restitution to their victims and expressed his desire to see all three kicked out of the country after they finish their prison sentences.

As citizens of El Salvador, all three are expected to face deportation hearings after their release from prison. Three additional co-conspirators, all of whom have already entered guilty pleas, are scheduled for sentencing hearings in the near future.