COVINGTON, Ind. (WKRC) — A man was accused of promoting human trafficking and “harboring illegal aliens” at Mexican restaurants in Indiana.
According to WXIN, 41-year-old Jose Lopez was taken into custody on Monday and hit with multiple felony charges as he allegedly promoted human trafficking and harbored illegal aliens at Mexican restaurants in Indiana.
Per the report, the arrest came after an investigation into Lopez and search warrants that were executed at multiple Agave Azul restaurants in Covington, Indiana, and Attica, Indiana.
The outlet noted that the investigations were launched after customers made complaints that employees were harassing them.
Lopez allegedly gave false information throughout the course of the investigation and reportedly admitted to being aware of sexual misconduct and sexual battery incidents that involved his employees.
Lopez was arrested by the Indiana State Police and is facing the following preliminary charges, per WXIN:
Promotion of human labor trafficking (felony)Assisting a criminal (felony)Obstruction of justice involving child abuse (felony)Harboring/transporting illegal aliens (felony)False informing (misdemeanor)Failure to report (misdemeanor)
The suspect is being held without bond at the Fountain County Jail.
The report adds that 19-year-old Carlos Gjeronimo, of Covington, was also arrested and booked on a preliminary charge of sexual misconduct with a minor.
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