Two men are facing multiple felony charges after investigators uncovered an alleged human trafficking operation at a Bradenton motel, where women were reportedly forced into prostitution and threatened with death if they attempted to escape.
Jose Andres Martinez Lujan, 30, of Bradenton, and Hildemar Cabrita Rosales, 26, of Sarasota, are each charged with human trafficking through coercion and deriving support from prostitution, according to court records.
The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office alleges the men operated a prostitution ring out of the Super 8 motel at 6516 14th St. W. in Bradenton. Investigators believe as many as eight women may have been trafficked through the location, with threats of violence used to maintain control over the victims and their families living overseas.
The investigation began in August 2025 after a woman reported to deputies that she was being forced into prostitution at the motel. Detectives subsequently interviewed two additional women who described being required to surrender their earnings and hide in bathrooms while other women met with customers.
According to arrest reports, the women were threatened with death, either to themselves or their family members, if they refused to comply or attempted to leave. Investigators also learned that a man allegedly monitored activity at the motel. Detectives later identified that individual as Cabrita Rosales.
On July 9, an undercover detective posing as a customer arranged to pay a woman for sex. During the operation, the woman reportedly disclosed that Martinez Lujan was forcing her into prostitution and provided information about additional women staying at the motel.
Detectives subsequently searched several rooms at the Super 8, locating four additional women believed to be victims of human trafficking. Investigators determined that two of the rooms were registered under Martinez Lujan’s name.
The women told investigators that Martinez Lujan and Cabrita Rosales worked together to operate the prostitution ring and collected at least half of their earnings. One arrest report also alleges that Martinez Lujan used a firearm to threaten women and prevent them from leaving.
Both men were arrested and remain in the Manatee County Jail without bond. Court records indicate that Martinez Lujan and Cabrita Rosales have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
If convicted on both felony counts and sentenced to the maximum penalties allowed under Florida law, each defendant could face up to 45 years in prison.
Their next court appearances are scheduled for December 9.
The case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in identifying human trafficking victims, particularly when threats against family members, financial control, and intimidation are used to prevent individuals from seeking assistance.
The allegations remain pending in court, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.