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Porfiria Maribel Ramos Sanchez, 47, a Mexican national living in Vernon, pleaded guilty to her role in a human trafficking scheme that preyed on vulnerable immigrants, including minors, the US Attorney for Connecticut said.
Investigators found that Ramos, her mother, and others smuggled at least 19 victims — many from Mexico — into the U.S., charging them up to $20,000 just to cross the border. Once in Connecticut, their debt skyrocketed to $30,000 or more, with interest and expenses controlled by Ramos and her accomplices. Victims were forced to work multiple jobs and perform unpaid household labor while living under threats, prosecutors said.
Authorities say victims rarely knew how much they owed. If they couldn’t pay, Ramos and others allegedly threatened to harm their families, seize property in Mexico, or report them to immigration officials, federal officials added.
The scheme unraveled in 2022 when FBI agents and Hartford police interviewed victims who detailed the abuse. Some were smuggled alone, without guardians, increasing their risk.
As part of her sentencing, Ramos must pay $574,608 in restitution. However, officials revealed she violated her plea agreement by secretly selling a property linked to the crime to a family member for $75,000 below its market value, prosecutors said.
Following her prison term, Ramos will face immigration proceedings and possible deportation.
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