Bonita Springs man arrested for human trafficking

A man was arrested for human trafficking after a young man claimed he was brought to the United States and forced to work and give his earnings to his captor.

On Friday, Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Mario Rene Cahuec Cha, 49 in Bonita Springs for illegal smuggling and human trafficking. Lee County Sheriff’s Office assisted with the arrest.

According to the FDLE press release, investigation into Cahuec Cha began April 23 after agents were tipped about possible human trafficking of an 18-year-old man from Guatemala to Bonita Springs.

According to the press release, the victim said Cahuec Cha met him in his hometown in Guatemala and promised him a job in a nearby town. The victim agreed but instead was forced into a truck and threatened to obey; otherwise, the victim said Cahuec Cha would hurt him and his family.

Agents said Cahuec Cha smuggled the victim into Mexico and then Texas, using his son’s ID.

According to the press release, the victim was forced to work when he came to Florida and had to give all the money he earned to Cahuec Cha, who beat and threatened him regularly. The victim was forced to pay Cahuec Cha’s rent.

Cahuec Cha was taken to Lee County Jail. His case will be prosecuted Office of the State Attorney, 20th Judicial Circuit.