A Fountain County man has been detained on accusations that he promoted human trafficking and “harboring illegal aliens” at local Mexican restaurants.
Jose Lopez, 41, of Covington, was arrested Monday and booked into Fountain County Jail on preliminary charges of felony human labor trafficking, obstructing justice, and harboring/transporting illegal aliens. He is currently being held without bond.
This comes after authorities began investigating Lopez and served search warrants at multiple Agave Azul restaurants in Covington and Attica. Customers reported that they were being harassed, which prompted the investigation.
Lopez allegedly provided false information throughout the investigation and acknowledged to being aware of sexual misconduct and battery involving his staff. He was then detained by Indiana State Police officers and put into the Fountain County Jail under the following charges:
- Failure to Report – Class B misdemeanor
- Obstruction of Justice Involving Child Abuse – Level 5 felony
- Harboring and Transporting Illegal Aliens – Level 6 felony
- Assisting a Criminal – Level 6 felony
- False Informing – Class B misdemeanor
- Promotion of Human Labor Trafficking – Level 4 felony
During the inquiry, police also arrested Carlos Gjeronimo, 19, of Covington. He was put into jail on preliminary counts of sexual misconduct with a minor.
Police did not immediately share any more information. Fox59/CBS4 has requested additional court papers in the matter.
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