Two Venezuelan nationals were sentenced to a combined 32 years in federal prison for their roles in the sex trafficking of a 16-year-old girl. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Nelson Adrián Pérez-Martínez, 23, received a 20-year sentence, while Giannys Alexandra Ramírez-Fernández, 21, was sentenced to 12.5 years. The investigation, which spanned from Colombia to Texas and Kentucky, involved coordination between Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the San Antonio Police Department, the FBI, and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Case Background and Investigation
Federal authorities identified the defendants as part of a human trafficking operation that exploited a 16-year-old orphan. Court records indicate that Pérez-Martínez and Ramírez-Fernández traveled with the victim through multiple locations, including San Antonio, Texas, and Kentucky.
In July 2024, the pair utilized at least six different motels in San Antonio to facilitate the commercial sexual exploitation of the minor. Investigators determined that the defendants funded these stays using proceeds generated from the victim’s commercial sexual acts. Following an investigation into sex trafficking, both individuals were arrested on July 30, 2024.
Federal Prosecution and Sentencing
The legal proceedings concluded in early 2026 following a series of guilty pleas and a jury trial.
- Giannys Alexandra Ramírez-Fernández: On September 17, 2025, she pleaded guilty to charges related to the sex trafficking of a minor, conspiracy to traffic a minor, and the transportation of a minor for illegal sexual activity. She was sentenced to 150 months in prison.
- Nelson Adrián Pérez-Martínez: Prosecutors filed new charges on October 1, 2025, charging him with multiple counts, including aiding and abetting the sex trafficking of a minor, conspiracy, and coercion. On February 23, 2026, a federal jury convicted him on all counts. Judge Fred Biery sentenced him to 240 months in federal prison, to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alicia McNab and Sade Bogart.
The Role of USCIS in Federal Investigations
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provided critical support throughout the criminal proceedings. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the agency assisted by conducting comprehensive immigration record checks and offering subject-matter expertise on immigration law. USCIS also provided analytical support by reviewing recorded jail calls to identify information relevant to the trafficking conspiracy.
Resources for Reporting Human Trafficking
Federal authorities encourage the public to report suspected human trafficking or immigration-related fraud. USCIS maintains a dedicated Tip Form for the public to submit information. Additional resources regarding USCIS programs and institutional updates can be found on their official website.