California man sentenced for trafficking 14-year-old family member to convicted rapist for $12,000

A 38-year-old man from Castroville, California, has been sentenced to five years in state prison for sex trafficking his underage family member for thousands of dollars. Obdulio Aparicio was convicted of human trafficking of a minor for commercial sex purposes, child abuse, and misdemeanor domestic violence. He will also have to register as a sexual offender for life. The sentencing was announced by Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine Pacioni on March 20.

The case came to light when deputies responded to a report of possible child abuse from officials at the North Monterey County School District on April 28, 2023. It was revealed that Aparicio had sold his 14-year-old relative, referred to as Jane Doe, to 20-year-old Javier Saavedra for $12,000. Jane Doe was found living with Saavedra in Salinas, California, and officials began investigating the situation. They also discovered that Aparicio had previously assaulted his wife, causing a bruise and cut.

Initially, Saavedra was arrested on charges of contacting a minor for sexual offense, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor three years younger, sodomy with a person under 18 years, and oral copulation with a minor. In October 2023, Saavedra was convicted of statutory rape and oral copulation of a person under 18 years of age. He was sentenced to 270 days in jail, three years of felony probation, and ordered to attend a sex offender treatment program. The district attorney’s office continues to investigate the case.

The shocking case of sex trafficking within a family has raised concerns in the community and shed light on the prevalence of such crimes. The involvement of a relative in the trafficking of a minor for financial gain is particularly disturbing, and the sentencing of Aparicio to five years in prison reflects the severity of his actions. The lifelong registration as a sexual offender will also serve as a reminder of the harm caused by his reprehensible behavior.

Efforts to combat human trafficking, especially involving minors, must be intensified to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation and abuse. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of reporting any suspicions of abuse or trafficking to authorities. It also highlights the need for education and awareness programs to help prevent such crimes from occurring in the future. The community must come together to support victims and work towards creating a safer environment for everyone, especially children and young individuals who are particularly at risk.