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7 Arrested In Suspected Human Trafficking Operation

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By ANTHONY CORMIER

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Published: September 5, 2008

ELLENTON - Deputies began to investigate a possible human trafficking operation Thursday and arrested seven people, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office said.

Victor Gomes-Lopez told deputies his brother paid $1,500 to be taken to Manatee County from Mexico, according to a report.

It was his understanding that his brother would be allowed to work off the money after arriving here. But the two men running the operation demanded the money upfront when they arrived Thursday and when it was not paid, they left with Gomes-Lopez's brother, according to a report.

Another meeting was scheduled between Gomes-Lopez and the men at a McDonald's off Interstate 75 in Ellenton. Deputies were there and took seven people into custody, including the five people who were transported to the county, according to a report.

Deputies recovered about $17,000 from the two men in charge, according to a report.

The sheriff's office handed over the case to the U.S. Border Patrol office in Tampa.

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