14-03-2025
Trafficking, forced labor in Las Vegas involving 3 Cuban immigrants subject of federal indictment
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Las Vegas man indicted Wednesday on charges of trafficking and forced labor involving three Cuban immigrants faces a May 19 trial, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Rafael Juan Mitjans, 50, is accused of confiscating passports, immigration documents and other identification from three victims 'with the intent to restrict the victim's ability to move and travel in order to maintain the labor and services of the victims,' according to a Friday news release.
Mitjans is also accused of lying to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services 'that he would provide the victims with basic living needs, including money each month, a room with a bed, television, desk, and laptop, clothing, shoes, hygiene products, and three meals per day. He knew the statements on the immigration forms were false.'
Few other details were available about the allegations of 'domestic servitude' or the identities of the victims. The incident occurred starting around Sept. 20, 2023, until July 31, 2024. Metro police and Clark County School District police were involved in the investigation, according to the news release.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Wednesday charging Mitjans with three counts of forced labor, three counts of unlawful conduct with respect to documents in furtherance of trafficking and forced labor, and three counts of false statements on immigration documents. A jury trial has been scheduled before United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II on May 19, 2025. Mitjans made his initial court appearance on Thursday before United States Magistrate Judge Brenda N. Weksler
Mitjans faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison.
Acting U.S. Attorney Sue Fahami for the District of Nevada and Homeland Security's acting Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes, Jr. made the announcement.
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