McALLEN, Texas – Rita Martinez, a 65-year-old Mexican resident of Mission legally, has admitted to forcing a minor into sex work, US Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani said in a news release.
According to the Department of Justice, Martinez forced the victim to participate in sex work at the diner known as Perez Lounge, Rita’s Lounge and Rita’s Sports Bar, which he owned and located in Mission.
“Using her cantina as a front, Rita Martinez forced a young immigrant woman to perform sexual acts on Rita’s male customers,” US Attorney Hamdani said. “No one should have to put up with that kind of treatment. Sometimes it takes time, but we will not give up. We will make sure that people like Martinez are held accountable for violating the laws of the United States by taking advantage of the weak and vulnerable members of our society.”
“Human trafficking – particularly the trafficking of minors – is a reprehensible crime with far-reaching consequences. Traffickers degrade human dignity and decimate individual rights, while undermining public safety, border security, opportunities economics and the rule of law,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Department of Justice remains committed to prosecuting human traffickers for this ruthless exploitation of vulnerable youth and to seeking restitution on behalf of the victims.”
As part of the guilty plea, the now convicted woman acknowledged that from the spring of 2005 to the fall of 2006, the 16-year-old Mexican minor lived in her home and worked in her bar. The woman arranged for men in the canteen to take the girl away for the purpose of having sex. Martínez benefited financially by accepting money from those clients. She kept the money and applied it to the cost of the victim’s fare to get from Mexico to the United States.
“This case is a reminder of the need to vigorously pursue all those who take advantage of anyone in vulnerable or desperate circumstances,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. “The FBI and our partners in Law enforcement are dedicated to protecting people from these hideous predators and will do everything possible to bring these individuals to justice,” the statement added.
Genaro Fuentes, 41, Martinez’s son, pleaded guilty Jan. 26 and admitted to his role working at the bar and helping to facilitate the sex trade.
Martínez and Fuentes have remained and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
