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GREENVILLE, S.C. (BFMG) — Five people were arrested in Greenville as part of a nationwide human trafficking enforcement operation that resulted in (125) arrests and the identification of nearly (80) potential victims, according to the Greenville Police Department (GPD).
Greenville police announced Sept. 10 that the department worked alongside the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division’s Human Trafficking Unit and law enforcement agencies across 22 other states during what authorities called the “Coast to Coast Operation.”
The coordinated operation focused on identifying and protecting victims of human trafficking and cases involving the prostitution of minors, while also identifying and arresting people suspected of participating in those crimes.
Nationwide, authorities said (74) adult victims and five juvenile victims were identified during the operation. A total of (125) arrests were made.
In Greenville, police said five men were arrested:
- Alejandro Azucena, 32
- Bola Gerges, 40
- Lance Hayes, 33
- Kenneth Lee, 31
- Andrew McDermott, 33
According to police, each man was charged with third-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, participation in the prostitution of a minor and human trafficking.
The charges are allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Greenville police credited officers, detectives and other law enforcement personnel involved in the operation, saying their work helped authorities identify vulnerable victims and conduct the operation safely.
“Human trafficking and the exploitation of minors are serious crimes that can have lasting impacts on victims and their families,” the department said.
Police said the department will continue working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate human trafficking cases, protect victims and pursue criminal charges against those suspected of exploiting them.
