Landy Carrejo indicted on human trafficking charges in El Paso
A grand jury indicted Landy Carrejo in New Mexico on human trafficking charges involving an El Paso businessman. The case involves allegations of trading child abuse for cash payments over several years. The criminal complaint was filed in Otero County.
Carrejo, 37, reportedly brought her children to a Lower Valley residence under the pretext of cleaning work. The businessman allegedly abused them there. Carrejo received up to $500 each time an assault occurred, the complaint states.
The children named in court filings are under the age of 15. One teenage victim completed a forensic interview with law enforcement. She said the abuse took place three to four times each month.
Investigators noted that the events allegedly continued for years. Carrejo also faces accusations of striking her children, based on forensic interviews. She denied all allegations during her arrest by Otero County law enforcement.
Jail records show Carrejo was released from the Otero County Detention Center on personal recognizance. She is currently in federal custody at the El Paso Processing Center. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents hold her there.
Carrejo will remain detained pending removal proceedings, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesman.
“On March 18, 2005, Carrejo attempted to illegally enter the country by concealing herself in the trunk of a vehicle. Carrejo illegally reentered the country at an unknown time and place. To be clear: a pending application does not confer legal status in the U.S. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, if you break the law, you will face the consequences. Criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S.”
The father of one victim brought the case forward after his daughter disclosed the abuse. He returned from work to find her crying. She told him a man who knew her mother had abused her for years.
The parents had lived apart for some time and started new families, the father said. He stated his daughter still suffers from night terrors. He wants both Carrejo and the man to face trial in court.
Deportation proceedings involve administrative hearings to determine whether a person can lawfully remain in the country. Federal agents can detain foreign nationals during this legal process.
Comment requests were submitted to Carrejo’s attorney and the El Paso businessman.
