Landy Victoria Carrejo Accused of Human Trafficking in Chaparral

A grand jury has indicted Landy Victoria Carrejo, 37, of Chaparral, New Mexico, on two counts of human trafficking involving two children, according to court records cited by KFOX14/CBS4. Carrejo is currently in federal custody pending immigration proceedings, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

Key Facts

• Name and age: Landy Victoria Carrejo, 37
• Charges: Two counts of human trafficking, both first-degree felonies
• Court and next hearing date: Next court date not provided in records
• Agency: Otero County Sheriff’s Office
• Custody or bail status: Held in federal custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pending removal proceedings

What Happened

According to an Otero County Sheriff’s Office complaint reported by KTSM, the investigation began after the father of one of the children contacted deputies when the child reported the alleged abuse. A child later detailed the allegations in a forensic interview with the state Children, Youth and Families Department.

KTSM reported that the child described ongoing abuse lasting years, occurring up to four times a month, and alleged Carrejo struck the children. The complaint states Carrejo allegedly received up to $500 each time from an adult man in El Paso, Texas. A sheriff’s affidavit cited by KFOX14 noted payments between $400 and $500 per incident and referenced a separate interview with a second child. Authorities have not publicly named the man or announced charges against him, though New Mexico authorities shared details with the El Paso Police Department.

The indictment alleges that Carrejo, identified by KTSM as the children’s mother, recruited, solicited, enticed, transported, or obtained two children with the intent or knowledge that they would engage in commercial sexual activity, KFOX14 reported. KFOX14 reported the indictment involves children younger than 13, while KTSM reported the children described in the complaint are younger than 15 and were as young as 5 when the alleged abuse started.

An Otero County deputy arrested Carrejo outside her Chaparral residence on Sept. 16, where she denied the allegations, according to KTSM. In contrast, DHS told KFOX14 that ICE arrested her on Oct. 9 in Alamogordo after news emerged that Landy Carrejo was indicted on human trafficking charges, leaving the difference between the two dates unexplained in available records.

Who Is Landy Victoria Carrejo

Carrejo is a 37-year-old native of Mexico who resides in Chaparral, New Mexico, according to ICE records cited by KTSM. DHS stated she attempted an unlawful entry into the United States in March 2005, received a voluntary return to Mexico, and later reentered the country at an unknown time and location.

The Charges Explained

The human trafficking charges allege that a person arranged for another individual to be used for commercial sexual activity, with the indictment specifying that the acts involved two children. In New Mexico, a first-degree felony represents the most serious non-capital felony class.

What Happens Next

Following a grand jury indictment, cases typically proceed to an arraignment where a defendant enters a formal plea before trial proceedings begin, though court records do not yet list an appearance date. DHS stated Carrejo will remain in ICE custody during removal proceedings and receive due process, while the father of one of the children told KTSM that deporting Carrejo prior to the conclusion of the criminal prosecution would deny his child justice: “Just justice. That’s all I want.”

What We Don’t Know Yet

• The next court date, assigned judge, formal plea, or Carrejo’s defense attorney representation.
• Whether law enforcement will charge the El Paso man mentioned in the complaint.
• How pending federal immigration removal proceedings will affect the state criminal prosecution.

Sources

• KFOX14/CBS4 report on the Carrejo indictment (date not provided)
• KTSM, “Mother indicted on human trafficking charges over alleged interactions with El Paso businessman” (date not provided), https://www.ktsm.com/news/mother-indicted-on-human-trafficking-charges-over-alleged-interactions-with-el-paso-businessman/
• NewsNation republication of KTSM report (date not provided)
• Department of Homeland Security statement
• Otero County Sheriff’s Office records and court documents

Duke City Wire will update this story as the case moves forward.