Accused trafficker raped girl to resolve debt owed by family, US police say
Article excerpt
Louisiana police say Juven Pineda, accused of sex trafficking, raped a 16-year-old girl to coerce repayment of a $13,500 debt he claimed her family owed him. The girl told investigators that Pineda held her as a prisoner, repeatedly assaulted her, and threatened to harm relatives in Honduras. The case illustrates how traffickers weaponize debt and family threats to control vulnerable victims, particularly undocumented immigrants with ties to Central America.
Sixteen-year-old tells police Juven Pineda treated her like a ‘prisoner’ and thretened to harm family in Honduras
An accused sex trafficker allegedly raped a 16-year-old girl to resolve a $13,500 debt that he claimed she and her family owed him, according to Louisiana police.
Juven Pineda, 34, faces charges of second-degree rape and human trafficking after his capture in North Carolina and recent transfer to the custody of investigators in the New Orleans suburb of Kenner, who had obtained a warrant to arrest him.
Information and support for anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse issues is available from the following organizations. In the US, Rainn offers support on 800-656-4673. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers support on 0808 500 2222. In Australia, support is available at 1800Respect (1800 737 732). Other international helplines can be found at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html
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