Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana - The Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office reached out to the Louisiana State Police Special Victims Unit - Houma Field Office on January 19, 2024, seeking help with a human trafficking case. This investigation eventually resulted in the apprehension of 29-year-old Henrys Suarez from Houma.
The investigators from Louisiana State Police SVU discovered that a victim of human trafficking reached out to the Houma Police Department and Terrebonne Parish Sheriff's Office to report that Suarez was coercing them into having sexual encounters with unfamiliar individuals in Jefferson Parish in exchange for money. The Louisiana State Police SVU investigators successfully coordinated with Suarez and organized a meeting with another victim in Jefferson Parish, in which they agreed upon a price for sexual activities.
Personnel from Homeland Security Investigations - Houma Field Office and the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office, who were helping with the investigation, saw Suarez's vehicle in the vicinity before reaching the meeting spot. They conducted a traffic stop and Suarez tried to escape but was apprehended shortly after. Another victim involved in trafficking, who was accompanying Suarez, was successfully rescued.
Suarez was taken into custody by Louisiana State Police SVU investigators and subsequently placed in the Jefferson Parish Correctional Center. The charges brought against him include one count of human trafficking and one count of pandering.
Human trafficking is a criminal activity that preys on and takes advantage of people who are in vulnerable positions. By working together and exchanging resources, information, and expertise across various areas, these collective endeavors enhance the speed and success of investigations. If you see or have knowledge about any instances of human trafficking, contact the Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or *LSP (*577).
An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.