Investigators said two people forced Central Florida women into human trafficking.
Police are looking for more potential victims.
The Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation said they are aware of three female victims but believe there could be more.
MBI wants people to know that if they believe they were also victims of the two individuals, they should contact MBI and the Central Florida Victim Service Center to assist with healing and recovery.
MBI agents arrested Joselito Martinez and Tanya Wurster on Wednesday.
Read: Florida’s fight against human trafficking: what is being done?
Between 2019 and 2021, the two suspects sheltered women after getting them out of jail.
In return, the victims were forced into commercial sexual acts with customers.
Investigators said Martinez and Wurster took pictures of the victims and advertised them on the Internet and commercial sex sites.
In total, the two raised $300,000 over a two-year period.
Read: Victims ask questions after changes to Florida’s human trafficking law
In addition to pimping the women, the two used NARCOTICS, threats of violence and humiliating acts such as shaving the victim’s head to control them.
According to MBI, two women were branded as possession with tattoos.
Kaylen Palmer of the Central Florida Victim Service Center said it could take years for victims of trafficking to come forward.
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But it’s an important first step, even if you’re confiding in a close friend or family member.
“It’s always scary to come forward,” Palmer said. “It is always scary to tell your story. What we tell people is, you know, it’s important to understand that there are other people out there, you’re not alone.”
At Victim Support Center, the organization offers free services and does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender or citizenship status because everything is treated confidentially.
People can call the 24/7 helpline at 407-500-HEAL (4325). Call 1-800 FLA-SAFE if you have a tip on this matter.
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