Veronica Martinez was sentenced to prison and upon termination of her prison term, three years supervised release. The sentence came after an investigation by U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement Office of Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and West Palm Beach Police Department who were alerted to suspicious behavior at the Martinez residence.
Martinez plead guilty to alien smuggling and forced labor after admitting she illegally smuggled two Honduran females and forced them to work in a bar to pay off their debt. Prior to coming to the US the victims were told it would cost $6,500 dollars and that they would be providing cleaning services and daycare to work off their debt. Upon arrival the cost increased to $12,000 and Martinez forced the victims to work in a local bar dancing, talking, and drinking with male clientele. The women were also paid to touch and be touched by the customers. It was reported that Martinez used threats to keep the women compliant.