SAN ANTONIO — A Venezuelan illegal alien was sentenced to 10 years in prison on two human trafficking charges and being an alien in possession of a firearm following an investigation conducted by ICE Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the San Antonio Police Department.

Edson Jose Contreras-Torrealba, 34, was sentenced on Sept. 16 by a federal judge to serve 120 months in prison. According to court documents, Contreras-Torrealba and another co-defendant both conspired from February 2024 to Aug. 19, 2024, to recruit, entice, harbor, provide and transport multiple adult women to provide sexual services for a fee in San Antonio. The victims were not free to leave Contreras-Torrealba’s apartment or the designated hotel rooms without permission from the co-conspirators, and they were required to work every day, at all times of day and night. Additionally, Contreras-Torrealba always carried a 9mm pistol and was in possession of the handgun when he was arrested at a hotel in San Antonio on Aug. 19, 2024.

“The sentencing of this international predator underscores our unwavering commitment to protecting those most vulnerable and combating transnational criminal organizations,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “This case highlights the critical importance of collaboration between our local partners to dismantle criminal networks that affect San Antonio and beyond. HSI will continue to prioritize the fight against human trafficking and gang to ensure justice is served. We thank our law enforcement partners and prosecutors for their dedication to this case.”

Read more on Justice.gov .