Authorities in Miami-Dade County arrested a 33-year-old woman from Hialeah identified as Liliannet "Lili" Betancourt for the sexual trafficking of a minor at a hotel in southwest Miami-Dade.
This arrest marks her second detention for activities related to human trafficking this year, after she was also arrested in March for forcing several young women into prostitution.
According to the arrest report from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, the incidents occurred on December 7, 2024, at the WoodSpring Suites hotel, located at 16055 SW 117th Ave, reported the outlet Local 10.
Betancourt acted as a key figure in the trafficking operations, coordinating commercial sexual encounters for the minor victim and handling cash and digital payments through CashApp. The victim did not receive any portion of the profits, the report emphasizes.
This arrest follows the charges filed in March, when detectives claimed that Betancourt trafficked a vulnerable immigrant mother and a pregnant teenager in the same hotel.
In that case, the victim had crossed the border between the U.S. and Mexico with her husband and four children while she was pregnant.
After separating from her husband in Miami Springs and losing custody of her children to the Department of Children and Families, the woman was lured into trafficking by Betancourt and Philbrine “Dolla” Bell with false promises of assistance in securing housing and reuniting with her children. WPLG
Tras su último arresto, Betancourt fue transportada a la Estación del Distrito Sur de la Oficina del Sheriff de Miami-Dade, donde invocó su derecho a permanecer en silencio.
The prison records show that he faces charges of human trafficking of a minor, obtaining support from the proceeds of prostitution, illegal use of a communication device, and using or renting a space for prostitution.
She is currently being held without bail at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Authorities believe there may be more victims and urge anyone with information to contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
Frequently Asked Questions about Child Sex Trafficking in Miami
Who is Liliannet Betancourt and why was she arrested?
Liliannet “Lili” Betancourt, 33 years old, was arrested in Miami-Dade for the sexual trafficking of minors. This marks her second arrest this year for activities related to human trafficking. She coordinated commercial sexual encounters at a hotel and handled cash and digital payments. The victim, a minor, did not receive any of the profits.
What charges does Liliannet Betancourt face?
Betancourt faces multiple charges, including human trafficking of a minor, profiting from prostitution, illegal use of a communication device, and using or renting a space for prostitution. She is currently being held without bail at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
What is the context of human trafficking in Miami?
Miami has been the scene of several cases of human trafficking and sexual abuse in recent months. The region faces a significant issue of exploitation, with multiple arrests related to sexual offenses and human trafficking, underscoring the need for constant vigilance and preventive measures by the authorities.
What should potential victims of human trafficking in Miami do?
Authorities urge anyone with information or who may be a victim of human trafficking to contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. It is vital to report these crimes so that help and protection can be provided to the victims.
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