A Rock Springs man accused of attempting to commit human trafficking claims he’s innocent.
Guadalupe J. Chavez-Arellano, 53, appeared in the Third District Court of Judge Richard Lavery at an arraignment to solicitation to commit human trafficking in the first degree, attempt to commit human trafficking in the first degree, attempt to commit sexual servitude of a minor and attempt to commit sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree.
Chavez-Arellano pleaded not guilty to all four felony charges and a jury trial has been scheduled to take place Aug. 14 at 9 a.m.
If Chavez-Arellano is found guilty on all four felony charges he could face a maximum sentence of 75 years in prison and a maximum fine of $35,000.
According to court documents, on Feb. 17, 2017, the Sweetwater County Sheriff’s Office was notified by the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation that during a controlled purchase of methamphetamine a couple of days earlier, the target of investigation, Chavez-Arellano, has asked their confident informant if the CI could acquire breast milk and a virgin girl around the age of 13 or 14 for him.
On Feb. 19, 2017, the sheriff’s deputy interviewed the CI who stated he/she met Chavez at the soup kitchen in Rock Springs and during one of their first conversations Chavez asked to purchase human breast milk from the CI.
Since that time, Chavez made multiple requests from the CI for breast milk and for the CI to acquire a child for him so he could allegedly have sexual relations with the child.
The CI told the deputy that on at least three separate occasions Chavez allegedly asked for a virgin girl around 13.
On Feb. 19, 2017, sheriff’s office detectives and Rock Springs Police Department detectives worked with DCI agents to conduct an operation in which Chavez would meet a 13-year-old girl for sex. The CI made and recorded a call to Chavez, in which the CI told Chavez a girl had been procured for him and that Chavez was to meet the girl at a motel. Chavez asked if the girl was a virgin and 13. The CI said she was and knew she was because the parents said so. Chavez was asked to pay a small amount of money for the girl, but refused. Chavez allegedly demanded the girl be delivered to his residence, but nothing came out of that operation.
On Feb. 20, 2017, a detective was advised that the CI was contacted again by Chavez who wanted breast milk delivered to him at 7 p.m. and allegedly wanted the girl to be delivered at 8:30 p.m.
Around 4 p.m. on Feb. 20, 2017, a RSPD officer was contacted by a 13-year-old girl who said a man tried to get her to go with him while she was hanging out near the Broadway Theater.
The girl said a man, who she later identified as Chavez, had approached her while she was by the theater and asked if she was 13. The girl said she lied and said she was 15. Chavez offered to take her to the movies, which she declined despite his numerous demands. The girl then ran to Escape Day Spa and Chavez didn’t follow her.
On Feb. 20, 2017, at 7 p.m. the CI met with Chavez and gave him the milk. The CI then told Chavez that the 13-year-old girl, who was actually an officer, was in the truck waiting for him.
The CI then asked Chavez if he wanted to meet the girl or if he wanted to wait until 8:30 p.m. Chavez told the CI he allegedly wanted the girl now and he would like to take the girl to school the next morning because she was going to stay overnight at his residence.
Chavez allegedly provided a pack of Smoker Friendly brand cigarettes as payment for the child.
Chavez then went toward the truck to meet with the girl, which is when he was arrested.
When officers searched Chavez’ home they found toys on the porch, a girl’s skirt on the door knob of the porch and a hand-colored drawing that had his phone number on it.
Chavez was interviewed by police and said he had met the CI at the soup kitchen and had been purchasing breast milk from the CI.
Chavez said the CI allegedly told him a young girl could be procured for $20 if he wanted one. Chavez allegedly admitted to giving the CI a $100 bill and the CI was supposed to make change and return the rest, but he never got his money back.
Chavez claims procuring the girl wasn’t his idea, but the CI’s and that his only intention was to watch a movie with the girl.
He also claims he did not provide a pack of cigarettes as payment for the girl. He said the CI allegedly wanted $5 for the girl, but all he had was a pack of cigarettes.
As for the drawing with his phone number on it, Chavez stated he was hoping an underage girl he liked would see it and call him.
Chavez did admit to accosting the girl at the Broadway Theater earlier in the day and stated all he was doing was offering to take her to the movies. He denied any other intentions.
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