Human trafficking trial delayed and moved from Panama City to Tallahassee
Kevin Robinson, krobinson4@pnj.com
Pensacola, FL
A Pensacola resident charged with interstate sex trafficking had his trial delayed to spring.
Antonio Flores-Esparza, 31, is one of nine people who allegedly transported Hispanic females around the South to engage in prostitution. All of the defendants in the case were residing in the U.S. illegally, according to government documents.
The group of men was originally scheduled to stand trial Jan. 4 in Panama City, but attorneys on both sides agreed that court facilities in Tallahassee would be better suited for the proceedings, according to a December court order.
The majority of the defendants will require interpreters, and the courthouse in the capitol is equipped with a system that would allow the interpreter to broadcast to all of the defendants simultaneously.
The Tallahassee courtroom also has more cell space for the defendants and an evidence presentation screen that will be easily viewable by everyone in attendance.
U.S. District Judge Robert L. Hinkle approved the motion for the change of location, as well as granted a continuance of trial to April 18.
The defendants have been charged on a 32-count indictment that essentially alleges the men transported woman around the country to engage in prostitution at various homes and brothels.
The indictment states that Flores-Esparza housed women in a residence in the 1400 block of North 48th Avenue and transported them around Pensacola and Alabama locations such as Robertsdale, Foley and Gulf Shores to engage in sex acts.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen M. Kunz and Kathryn D. Risinger.