2 charged with sex trafficking juveniles in Florida

OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WALA) - The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office today announced the arrests of a man and woman last week for allegedly sex trafficking two girls.

According to the OCSO, Lennys Cotto, 30, and Joe Trejo, 28, both of Ocala, Florida, were arrested Dec. 23 in Okaloosa County. Authorities said the investigation stems from the pair’s arrest in May of this year.

Authorities said that during the investigation, the sheriff’s office, Homeland Security Unit and the Major Crimes Unit observed signs of human trafficking. Investigators identified and interviewed the two victims and a witness, and also reviewed electronic devices that authorities say contained evidence of human trafficking.

In May, Trejo and Cotto were charged with kidnapping and burglary, jail records show.

Investigators were able to link Cotto and Trejo to the sex trafficking of the two girls at local bars and via social media, according to the OCSO.

Authorities said the girls are in safe locations and are receiving victim services.

Cotto and Trejo face multiple charges, including kidnapping/human trafficking, possession of child pornography, and use of a two-way communications device to facilitate a felony.

They are being held in the Okaloosa County Jail.