For Immediate Release — October 30, 2024 — Washington, D.C.
On Sept. 19, 2024, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Alamdar S. Hamdani presented special agents and investigators with the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) Houston Field Office (HFO) with two Superior Performance by a Litigative Team awards for their outstanding collaboration and work on two separate investigations involving human trafficking.
In the first case, DSS HFO investigators discovered that three Cuban nationals had smuggled women into the United States from Cuba, then forced them to perform sex work at Houston-area strip clubs purportedly to repay their debts. After a complex investigation, the three individuals were convicted of sex trafficking, racketeering, and related crimes. DSS personnel recognized for this case include Supervisory Special Agent Katherine Langston; Special Agents Eladio Escobar, Thomas Gunter, Pejman Saadatzadeh; and Investigative Specialist Michelle Lundby.
The second case involved a Honduran national illegally residing in Houston who kidnapped a 15-year-old girl, transported her across state lines, and subjected her to forced intoxication and sexual abuse. During the investigation, DSS’ overseas criminal investigations unit at the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City assisted by locating and interviewing a key witness, which was instrumental in securing a 50-year sentence for the criminal. DSS personnel recognized for this investigation include Special Agents Eladio Escobar and Alvin Fielding; Supervisory Special Agents Katherine Langston and Edward Allen; Investigative Specialist Michelle Lundby; and Criminal Fraud Investigator Luis Alvarez.
Both DSS-led investigations were collaborative efforts spearheaded under the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance, a multi-agency organization that coordinates anti-human trafficking efforts across local, state, and federal levels. DSS HFO is a key member of the alliance.
The U.S. attorney’s recognition highlights the dedication and professionalism of the Houston Field Office’s team, whose efforts continue to safeguard justice and pursue criminals that exploit the most vulnerable populations.
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The Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) is the law enforcement and security arm of the U.S. Department of State. With more than 270 locations across the globe, including more than 30 offices within the United States, DSS is the most widely represented law enforcement agency in the world. For more information, please contact the DSS Public Affairs team at ds-press@state.gov.