Man Accused of Violent Human Trafficking Plan Released on Bond

A man police say planned to help a deputy posing as a woman's boyfriend sexually assault her, then force her into prostitution, was walking around free Monday morning.

Rissa Shaw with our partners at KWTX-TV reports that back in November, Gabino Olivarez responded to an undercover deputy's ad on a website known for human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. According to police, Olivarez was interested in meeting a man who wanted to force his girlfriend into prostitution.

Olivarez reportedly arranged to meet the undercover deputy at Lake Waco Dam on Friday, December 11. Police say Olivarez requested the woman be bound, gagged, and blindfolded, and locked in a vehicle. According to an affidavit, Olivarez would then take the woman home, sexually assault her, then return her to the deputy and arrange forced dates for her.

Thankfully, the woman in question doesn't exist and Olivarez was instead greeted by police when he arrived at the meeting. He was arrested at the scene and charged with attempted compelling prostitution. He was released Saturday after posting $20,000 bond.

When many people picture human trafficking and forced prostitution, they probably imagine a person being randomly selected and kidnapped in a dark parking lot. This case illustrates that people can fall prey to people they know and trust.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, most human traffickers use psychological means to coerce and manipulate people into sexual or labor exploitation. In this case, it appears Olivarez intended to use violent coercion, but that's not always the case.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline's website has a Myths & Facts page, as well as a page about recognizing the signs of human trafficking. If you suspect it's happening or if you are a victim, please reach out to the hotline or to your local police.