FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Man Charged with Trafficking Disabled Woman

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Miami (April 11, 2024)

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle and City of Miami Police Chief Manuel A. Morales announce the arrest of 27-year-old Justin Elias Portes after a joint City of Miami and State Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Task Force proactive human trafficking operation in the City of Miami that led to Human Trafficking charges. This investigation was part of anti-Human Trafficking efforts being undertaken in advance of the upcoming Formula One events coming to Miami-Dade County from May 3rd through May 5th. As has been well recognized, major sporting events tend to increase Human Trafficking activity in the event’s general area.

Justin Elias Portes is being charged with:

• 1 Count Human Trafficking Life Felony
• 1 Count Derive Support from Proceeds of Prostitution 2nd Degree Felony
• 1 count Directing Another to Place of Prostitution 2nd Degree Misdemeanor

As a part of the undercover operation, a contact was made through an ad on MegaPersonals and an all-sex transaction for $140.00 was arranged with the 31-year-old victim. When the victim arrived at the downtown Miami hotel, officers noted that the victim appeared to have both physical and cognitive disabilities. Upon detaining the victim, she indicated that she had been transported to the hotel for the purposes of prostitution by Portes who also derived proceeds from her prostitution dates. Upon his arrest, it was learned that Portes was wearing an ankle monitor connected to an ongoing criminal matter in Broward County.

“Those traffickers who feel that selling someone’s body is no different from selling bottled water at a sporting event are in for a shock when they come to Miami-Dade County,” said State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle. “I, Miami Police Chief Morales, and the members of my Human Trafficking Task Force will not tolerate or accept such activities, now or at any special event held in our community. Traffickers should get that message, loud and clear.”

State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle is available for media interviews. Please call 305-547-0535 to schedule a time.