(FORT BEND COUNTY, TEXAS) – Fort Bend County Sheriff’s detectives arrested Jose Jose Aguirre, 24, Jose Aguirre Martin, 22, and Orlando Noe Betancur Flores, 21, in connection with a kidnapping and human smuggling scheme. On August 30, 2023, at approximately 12:00 pm, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a check welfare call leading to an investigation at the 12000 block of Meadow Hollow Drive, Meadows Place, Fort Bend County, Texas. The initial investigation led to human smuggling, with several immigrants allegedly held captive against their will. As investigators of the Human Trafficking Unit responded, the investigation led to information regarding kidnapping and human smuggling of immigrants, five of whom were recovered at a residence. The immigrants were allegedly illegally smuggled from Mexico. The five victims were being held captive in a locked un-air-condition garage at the location pending payment of additional money. The smuggling incident led to charges against three individuals for Smuggling of Persons. Jose Aguirre, Jose Martin, and Orlando Flores were each charged with this offense, and bond was set at $500,000 for Martin and $500,000 for Flores. Jose Aguirre was also charged with Aggravated Kidnapping. His bond is currently pending. “We are dedicated to keeping our community safe while combating heinous crimes such as these, and we are working tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice", said Sheriff Eric Fagan. “While arrests have been made, this investigation continues in order to ensure all involved are held accountable.”
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