FBI raids Paso Robles homes in alleged human trafficking

Posted: Mar 30, 2010 6:53 PM by Steve Adamson
Updated: Mar 30, 2010 6:53 PM

The FBI along with other law enforcement and social agencies raided 4 homes in Paso Robles early Tuesday morning, arresting two people on charges of knowingly and intentionally concealing, harboring, and shielding illegal aliens within the U.S.

Maximino Morales, 44, and his wife Melinda Morales, 46 were taken into custody by federal agents without incident. They operated elder care facilities within the four homes. They were arrested on suspicion of recruiting and smuggling Fillipino nationals to the U.S. and then allegedly harboring the victims by forcing them to labor in working conditions that were sub-standard. They used threats of deportation and threatened harm to their families and them if they left their employment prior to paying off their debt. ( the cost of getting to the U.S. )

The investigation began last November when the FBI received some tips concerning allegations involving the abuse of workers employed at the four residential care facilities for elderly citizens in Paso Robles.

"The defendents in this case allegedly lured the victims with the promises of legitimate work and a better life in the U.S...Then smuggled them into this country through fraud and forced victims to work in rigorous, inhumane conditions, thereby depriving them of their basic civil rights," said Steven Martinez, Asst. Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles.

One resident in the house was David Haney when the FBI arrived this morning. "I just can't believe that this is happening. I thought it was a fire drill."

It was no drill though. Many FBI agents and other personnel came searching for evidence. "When I tried to pick up my dad, I tried to go in the house and of course I was stopped, ID'ed, I had numerous people surround me asking me for the same information, my address, my name, who I was," said Keelen Haney."

Doug Price, the FBI Asst. Special Agent in Charge said, "Often times we think of human trafficking in terms of some of these sexual crimes, like prostitution, but human trafficking covers all areas. It's really when someone is held against their will...in a form of enslavement."

He also noted that "it can be in many situations. This was an elder care facility. Again, it's not what you normally think of in this type of situation, but there are many instances of where these types of things are happening."

County social services say family members have already picked up thirteen of the seniors who had been living in the homes. There were a total of 19 living in the four homes that were raided and they will make sure the rest are cared for until their relatives arrive.

Neighbors said they were surprised to see what happened in their usually quiet street, Sleepy Hollow, which today didn't seem to fit its' name. "It's surprising, it really is a surprise. I'm sorry to hear it because it is a great neighborhood. Never had a problem in the four years I've been here," said Teresa Sollazzo.

Another neighbor however, thought a couple of things seemed a little odd. "I thought it was a little suspicious that I never saw the elderly people outside, and the workers were from what I heard encouraged not really to associate with the neighborhood," said Debby Owens.

Both Maximino and Melinda Morales are anticipated to be released on bail tonight. The charge of harboring illegal aliens carries a maximum statutory penalty of ten years in federal prison on each count.