Two Columbus Men Charged in Human Trafficking Case

Suspects accused of bringing woman from Mexico and forcing her into prostitution to pay $18,000 debt

Jan. 29, 2026 at 6:39pm

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Two Columbus men, Raul Reyes-Nepomuceno and Brandon Reyes-Escano, have been charged with human trafficking, drug trafficking, and keeping a house of prostitution after an investigation by local police and federal agents. The men are accused of bringing a woman from Mexico to the U.S. and forcing her into prostitution until she paid off an $18,000 debt.

Why it matters

Human trafficking is a serious crime that exploits vulnerable individuals, often women and children, for forced labor or commercial sex. This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat these illicit activities and protect victims from further abuse.

The details

According to investigators, when they executed a search warrant, they found 47 grams of methamphetamine, a firearm, and one person they believe was brought from Mexico to work as a prostitute in Columbus. Surveillance had previously observed 'people coming and going all hours of the night and day' at the location. The investigation lasted several months before the arrests of Reyes-Nepomuceno and Reyes-Escano.

  • The arrests came after an investigation with the Columbus Police Department and federal agents with the DEA and ICE.
  • The investigation lasted several months before the arrests.

The players

Raul Reyes-Nepomuceno

A 53-year-old Columbus man charged with human trafficking, drug trafficking, and keeping a house of prostitution.

Brandon Reyes-Escano

A 23-year-old Columbus man charged with human trafficking, drug trafficking, and keeping a house of prostitution.

Alfonso Whittaker

The defense attorney for the two suspects, who argued there is a lack of probable cause for the charges.

David Ranieri

The judge who found probable cause and bound the case over to superior court.

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What they’re saying

“There is a lack of probable cause, particularly for the trafficking, pimping, or sexual servitude. Your honor, we argue that there is no probable cause for the felony charges.”

— Alfonso Whittaker, Defense Attorney

“Both defendants will be held without bond on the trafficking methamphetamine and without bond for trafficking a person for labor or sexual servitude.”

— David Ranieri, Judge

What’s next

The case will now proceed to superior court for further hearings and a potential trial.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. It also underscores the complex legal challenges in prosecuting these types of cases, where the burden of proof and probable cause are key factors.