SAN ANTONIO – Recently, two Venezuelan nationals were sentenced in federal court for their involvement in the sex trafficking of a 16-year-old girl from Venezuela, as reported by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
On a Wednesday, a judge issued sentences for Giannys Alexandra Ramirez-Fernandez, 21, and Nelson Adrian Perez-Martinez, 23, for trafficking the young teen. Both individuals were found to be in the United States illegally at the time of their arrest.
Ramirez-Fernandez received a sentence of 12 and a half years in federal prison, while Perez-Martinez was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison along with lifetime supervised release.
The case began when Ramirez-Fernandez developed a relationship with the victim while she was just 13 years old and living with her adopted parents in Colombia. At that time, Ramirez-Fernandez was also a minor, aged 17.
In December 2022, both Ramirez-Fernandez and the victim crossed the border into the United States illegally. Perez-Martinez joined them later in December 2023 after also entering the country illegally.
According to ICE, the trio traveled from Richmond, Kentucky, to San Antonio. Investigators later discovered that they had stayed in approximately six different motels in San Antonio between July 19 and July 30, 2024.
Law enforcement officials arrested Ramirez-Fernandez and Perez-Martinez on July 30, 2024, as part of an ongoing investigation into sex trafficking in the area.
On September 17, 2025, Ramirez-Fernandez pleaded guilty to three significant charges: aiding and abetting sex trafficking of children, conspiracy to sex traffic children, and the transportation of a minor with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
Perez-Martinez’s initial trial took place in October 2025 but resulted in a hung jury. Following this, federal prosecutors presented a five-count superseding indictment, and ultimately, on February 23, 2026, he was found guilty on all counts.
This case highlights the serious issue of human trafficking and the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable individuals, particularly minors. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat these crimes and support victims.
