Victims of Palm Beach County Sex Trafficking Ring May Be Entitled to Financial Compensation
Survivors of a shocking sex trafficking operation uncovered in Palm Beach County may have legal rights to financial compensation. Federal prosecutors recently charged Enyerbert Alberto Blanco, age 28, and Yenire Karolina Pacheco Leiton, age 34, after they allegedly trafficked a 15-year-old girl for sex in motels across the county.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of human trafficking, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Our law firm offers free, confidential consultations to help survivors understand their rights and options. Contact us at 561-222-2222 for support and guidance—your call is private, and there is no obligation.
A Trafficking Operation Hidden in Plain Sight
The 15-year-old girl was reported missing from New York in September. By mid-October, law enforcement discovered 14 sexually explicit ads featuring her image on MegaPersonals, a site commonly linked to trafficking activity. Though her face was hidden with a devil emoji, her tattoos matched the description in her missing child report.
On October 17, an undercover officer arranged to meet the advertised “young girl” at the Studio 6 motel in West Palm Beach. A woman in lingerie greeted him and responded, “She’s probably busy. Your loss.” Surveillance footage later confirmed the girl leaving the motel with both suspects in a white Ford Explorer.
Advertised Online. Sold to 13 Men in Three Days.
The girl was found the next day at a Riviera Beach Motel 6 — alone in a room littered with used condoms, lingerie, wet wipes, and over $1,000 in cash. What investigators found next unraveled a horrifying human trafficking operation — run by a husband and wife from South Florida.
According to a criminal complaint, Blanco and Pacheco Leiton sold the girl for sex to at least 13 adult men, some in their 50’s, over the span of just three days — forcing her to surrender half of her earnings to Pacheco Leiton.
As the teen walked toward the detective’s vehicle, she spotted Blanco nearby and panicked: “Oh my God, it’s him. He’s one of them.” Blanco attempted to flee but was caught after a brief foot chase. His phone, recovered by authorities, was linked to the online sex ads.
Yenire Karolina Pacheco Leiton, age 34, and Enyerbert Alberto Blanco, age 28.
Evidence of a Wider Trafficking Network
A search of Pacheco Leiton’s phone revealed disturbing evidence, including:
- Photos of the victim
- Pricing charts for sex acts
- Group chats titled “Studio 6”
- Messages outlining plans to intimidate the girl and recruit more children
Authorities also believe Blanco may be connected to Tren de Aragua, a violent transnational gang based in Venezuela, known for trafficking and extortion. His alias, “Culon,” reportedly matches known gang identifiers.
Legal Consequences and Community Response
Blanco and Pacheco Leiton are each charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and sex trafficking of a minor, carrying potential life sentences and a mandatory minimum of 10 years if convicted. Both are currently being held without bond and have been ordered to have no contact with the victim or each other.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office emphasized the importance of vigilance and community awareness in combating trafficking. The rescued teen is now in the care of New York Social Services and will soon be reunited with her family.
What Needs to Happen Next
This case makes it clear:
- Hotels and online platforms must be held accountable. Websites like MegaPersonals continue to serve as digital marketplaces for exploitation.
- Community awareness must increase. Knowing the signs of trafficking — and when to report them — can save lives.
- Survivors need long-term care. Rescue is only the first step. Victims of trafficking need access to trauma-informed support, legal advocacy, and safe housing.
- Our legal system must send a message. There should be no leniency for those who profit from the pain of children.
What You Can Do
If you suspect that someone may be a victim of trafficking, do not hesitate to act.
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733. This confidential service is available 24/7 and staffed by trained professionals.
GOLDLAW’s Perspective
At GOLDLAW, we are deeply disturbed by this case — not only because of the unimaginable trauma inflicted on a vulnerable child, but because this happened right here in our own community. Motels we pass every day. Streets we know. Victims who are often invisible until it’s too late.
Sex trafficking is not a distant problem. It’s local. It’s urgent. And it demands action.
We commend the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for their swift investigation and coordinated rescue effort. But cases like this also spotlight how much more needs to be done — to prevent trafficking, to protect potential victims, and to pursue justice with unwavering intensity.
GOLDLAW’s Commitment to Justice for Survivors
GOLDLAW, based in West Palm Beach, is nationally recognized for representing victims of abuse and trafficking. Led by board-certified civil trial attorney Spencer T. Kuvin, our firm has successfully advocated for survivors in high-profile cases, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights protected.
If you or someone you know has been affected by human trafficking or sexual exploitation, our attorneys are here to help — with compassion, confidentiality, and commitment. Contacting GOLDLAW is free, easy, and confidential. You are not alone, and justice is possible. Call us today at 561-222-2222.
