Two people are facing sex trafficking charges after an Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office investigation found they allegedly trafficked two juvenile females at local bars and through social media.
- Lennys Vanessa Cotto, 30, and Joe Trejo, 28, were arrested Dec. 23 on human trafficking and child sexual exploitation charges involving the two victims.
The two were originally booked into Okaloosa County Jail on May 12 on charges of kidnapping and armed burglary of a dwelling. Bond was denied on those charges.
During that investigation, OCSO’s Homeland Security Unit and Major Crimes Unit observed signs of human trafficking, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators identified and interviewed the two victims and a witness and reviewed electronic devices containing evidence of human trafficking, the release states.
Both now face two counts of human trafficking of a minor and multiple counts related to possession of obscene material depicting child sex conduct. Trejo also faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and a weapons offense.
- Bond on the trafficking charges was set at $500,000 each.
The juvenile victims are in safe, undisclosed locations and receiving victim services, according to OCSO.
