WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — On Monday, CBS12 News reported on two men who were arrested in Lake Worth Beach after a woman called 911 claiming she was being held captive. Investigators later discovered a brothel operating out of an apartment.
PBSO Special Investigations Division Sgt. Carlos Lisboa said the women were placed in separate rooms and not allowed to engage with one another.
“The victims advised the suspects had firearms in the residence at all times,” Lisboa said. “The victims were forced to engage in sex with the manager and the owner of the property, or the brothel, should I say.”
The suspects were identified as two illegal immigrants from Guatemala, and the victims were brought to the area under false pretenses such as promises of legitimate jobs.
See also: After the brothel bust: Can the Palm Beach County Sheriff seize these homes?
Lighthouse PBC Executive Director Becky Dymond said human trafficking under false pretenses is not uncommon.
“It’s especially common for individuals coming from overseas,” Dymond said. “You know that whole you’re gonna work in the service industry, right, that was not the service industry I had in mind and then they’re stuck.”
Sex trafficking victim advocate Lynne Barletta said the Treasure Coast has also seen its share of brothel busts. She recalls a similar situation from 2017 where three men were arrested.
“They were running brothels that was servicing hundreds of men per week,” Barletta said. “In just one trash can there were over 200 condoms.”
Victim advocates said the key to taking down the traffickers is to say something. However, not not many people know the signs to look out for.
“For a home, there could be a guard sitting outside, the windows and doors could be all covered, locked, and it seems like there’s a lot of traffic going in and out of the house especially at night,” Barletta said.
Ayesha Williams with FLITE Center, which offers services to adults and children impacted by sex trafficking, said there are also things people can do to make sure they don’t become a victim.
“Know your surroundings, know where you’re going keep an eye open also be mindful,” Williams. “If you were taking the same route home every day. Well sometimes switch it up. You never know who’s watching you.”
If you or someone you know might be a victim of human trafficking consider calling human trafficking hotline (888) 373-7888.