FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 24, 2006

FEDERAL INDICTMENT CHARGES SALEM MAN
WITH HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Victim was kidnapped from Mexico and forced to work at a marijuana operation

PORTLAND, OREGON - RAMON LOPEZ-MONTANEZ, age 39, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Portland on charges of Forced Labor, Marijuana Manufacturing, and Use of a False Government Document. FBI Agents, working with the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Oregon State Police, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Human Trafficking Task Force, Salem Police Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Lincoln County Interagency Narcotics Team (LINT), and the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, arrested LOPEZ-MONTANEZ at 4450 Sunnyview Ave. NE, in Salem Tuesday. The arrest was without incident. The indictment against LOPEZ-MONTANEZ was unsealed, and he will make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Hubelon Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. in Portland.

The indictment charges that the victim was subjected to threats of serious harm to her or her family as a part of a scheme, plan, and pattern that led to compelled labor and services on the part of the victim. The indictment recites that the victim was beaten, stabbed, sexually assaulted, as well as caused to witness acts of violence committed upon other children and women, to witness armed guards standing watch over her and others being held in buildings, as well as transported to Otis, Oregon for the purpose of manufacturing marijuana.

“Human trafficking is oftentimes a silent crime that targets the most vulnerable of victims,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Daniel R. Nielsen of the FBI's Portland Division. “We are working very closely with our local, state and federal partners to attack this problem. We encourage those in the community who may have knowledge about such activities to contact us as soon as possible.”

The indictment charged LOPEZ-MONTANEZ with growing marijuana in Salem and Otis, Oregon, as well as with using a false Oregon Driver’s license in the name Jose Juan Lopez to open a bank account in Lincoln City. LOPEZ-MONTANEZ is a citizen of Mexico.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office will work closely with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute what amounts to modern day slavery. We will not tolerate the exploitation and abuse of men, women and children who are the victims of human trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Karin Immergut.

“Human trafficking is a serious and harmful crime,” said Leigh Winchell, Special Agent in Charge of the ICE office of investigations in Seattle.  “Those who are victims of this criminal activity deserve our full and immediate attention, and ICE is committed to pursuing those who engage in this form of personal exploitation.”

The charges contained in this indictment are allegations only and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless convicted at trial.

The government is releasing LOPEZ-MONTANEZ’s photograph in hopes that others may recognize him and come forward with information. Specifically, investigators are hoping to identify other victims and other possible homes or buildings being used for growing marijuana, and which may lead to other victims. Anyone with information should call the FBI at (503) 224-4181.

This case was investigated by the agencies listed above and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Johnathan Haub. Questions may be directed to Diane Peterson, Public Information Officer, at 503-727-l066.

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