Honduran woman convicted of sex trafficking a minor in Houston

HOUSTON — A Honduran woman was convicted Thursday of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas.

The investigation leading to the filing of criminal charges resulted from an investigation conducted by members of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA) in Houston, which includes the following agencies:  FBI, Harris County Sheriff's Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Department of State, Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Houston Police Department.

Maria E. Gonzales Munoz, aka "Merci," 45, co-owned numerous brothels, including Cocodrillos, that posed as bars in and around the Houston area which facilitated commercial sex.

The undercover operation revealed that Munoz offered a female to work as a prostitute at Cocodrillos. Even though the young female reported to be underage and had illegally entered the United States, Munoz still said she could work at Cocodrillos and even offered to provide living arrangements at her residence. Gonzales also informed the girl that she could help her appear older through use of make-up and help her obtain a fraudulent identification card.

Gonzales will remain in custody pending sentencing, which is set for April 7 before U.S. District Judge Nancy Atlas. At that time, she faces up to life in prison.

Assistant U.S Attorney Ruben R. Perez, Southern District of Texas, is prosecuting this case.