Three Convicted in Sex Trafficking Case that Began at Farmingville, Lake Ronkonoma Bars

Three men were charged with multiple crimes in conjunction with sex trafficking, forced labor and alien harboring and transportation at locations in Farmingville and Lake Ronkonkoma, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

This week a federal jury in Central Islip found Antonio Rivera, 36, and Jason Villaman, 33, guilty of conspiracy, sex trafficking, forced labor, alien harboring, and alien transportation, while John Whaley, 31, was convicted of conspiracy, forced labor, alien harboring, and alien transportation.

According to the FBI, the charges arose in connection with the defendants operation of two bars, Sonidos de la Frontera, in Lake Ronkonkoma, and La Hija del Mariachi, in Farmingville, New York. Rivera was the owner of the bars, and Whaley and Villaman, who worked as a security guard at Sonidos, transported the victims to and from the bars, the FBI said.

Evidence presented at the trial established that the defendants and others compelled undocumented Latin American women from Honduras, Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador hired as waitresses in Rivera’s bars to engage in commercial sex acts by using violence, fraud, coercion, and threats of deportation, the FBI said in a statement.

“Those who exploit vulnerable individuals for personal gain will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said United States Attorney Loretta E. Lynch. “We are committed to ensuring that everyone receives the full protection of our laws.”

“Human trafficking of this kind is the equivalent of modern day slavery. It deprives its victims of their freedom and dignity, and it has no place in our country,” said Assistant Attorney General Thomas E. Perez. “This case should serve as a reminder that the Justice Department is committed to the aggressive prosecution of those who rob individuals of their freedom for financial gain.”

The FBI said the defendants face a maximum term of imprisonment of life on the sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking offenses, and 20 years for the forced labor, alien harboring, and transportation of aliens offenses. In addition, the defendants face a fine equal to twice the pecuniary gain resulting from their crimes.