A traffic stop in Muncie led to the arrest of 50-year-old Sergio Velasco, who faces multiple charges related to human trafficking and other offenses. The arrest, made by the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office, revealed that Velasco was living in the U.S. illegally and allegedly involved in human trafficking operations.
On Sunday evening, a deputy stopped Velasco’s vehicle for making an erratic lane change without signaling. During the stop, Velasco was found with a fake government ID and smelled of alcohol. His blood alcohol content was measured at .086, just above the legal limit. A search of his vehicle uncovered nearly $20,000 in cash, mostly in $100 bills.
Velasco explained through a translator that the money was from people he had brought over from Mexico, not from drug dealing. He admitted to paying $13,500 to bring two individuals into the U.S., with plans to secure them jobs in Muncie and other cities in Central Indiana. Velasco’s alleged operation involved providing lodging and employment for individuals in exchange for repayment, including interest. He reportedly claimed to have “people” in Mexico who would contact their families if the workers failed to repay him.
Velasco, who has lived in the U.S. for nearly 30 years without establishing citizenship, is being held without bond due to his immigration status. He faces multiple charges, including four counts of human trafficking, four counts of promoting human trafficking, and other related charges.
