EL PASO, Texas — A year-long investigation into an international human trafficking and prostitution network has led to the arrest of a lawyer and eight others in El Paso County, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
Authorities say the operation uncovered a sophisticated smuggling network stretching from Cuba through Central America and Mexico into El Paso, where victims—primarily Cuban women—were forced into prostitution to repay smugglers.
Among those arrested was Mario Ortiz Saroldi, 38, an El Paso attorney accused of soliciting sexual acts from clients he represented in prostitution-related cases. Saroldi was booked into the El Paso County Jail on charges of solicitation of prostitution.
Also arrested were Yasiel Rodriguez-Amaro, 31, and Katherine Ventura-Amaro, 37, both from El Paso. They face charges of aggravated promotion of prostitution, online promotion of prostitution, and possession of a controlled substance.
In total, nine individuals were charged with offenses including prostitution, possession of controlled substances, alien inadmissibility, and engaging in organized criminal activity.
Investigators say co-conspirators were responsible for advertising victims online and transporting them across El Paso for commercial sex acts. The Texas DPS emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are possible.
