Alleged Smuggler of Immigrants Jumps Bail
A woman charged with smuggling Mexican women into the United States and forcing them to work as prostitutes at motels near Disneyland has jumped bail, officials said Tuesday.
Maria De La Luz Menjivar, 43, of Wilmington failed to appear in court for a hearing last week, prompting a judge to issue an arrest warrant, Anaheim Police Sgt. Rick Martinez said.
Menjivar was arrested Feb. 4 after three women reported the alleged sex-slave ring to police. Officers conducted a sting operation at the Econo Lodge Anaheim and arrested Menjivar, who posted $100,000 bail.
More to Read
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
