A hotel in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, was the home for a large prostitution ring and the man behind it all never really denied being its ringleader.
The man left Spain in 2009 in order to avoid a six-year sentence for a conviction of immigration fraud. That was when he made Miami Beach his home and started the prostitution business at the Extended Stay American hotel in Fort Lauderdale. According to investigators, women who worked as prostitutes overseas were recruited for work here. Many were from Spain, Cuba and Venezuela and their immigration paperwork and travel expenses were paid for by the man. He also told the women what to say to officials when they arrived in the U.S., according to authorities.
The man was assisted by his brother, who also pleaded guilty to a federal charge related to his brother’s business. The maximum sentence the brother can receive is five years in federal prison. The ringleader has pleaded guilty to a federal charge of operating an escort service and the maximum penalty he can receive is seven years and three months to nine years. His sentencing is scheduled for July.
Authorities reportedly found out about the man’s operation when a Spanish woman arrived at the airport in August 2012. She told federal agents that she worked as a prostitute for the man, as did several other women, she said. Investigators said that over $100,000 was paid for hotel rooms during one period of 11 months.
This man chose to plead guilty to the felony charge he was facing and he likely did so after speaking at length with his attorney. If you are facing felony charges, an experienced lawyer can provide information about your legal options.