Six Charged with Drug Offenses, Human Trafficking, Sex Crimes
District Attorney Tim Ward has announced criminal charges against six people involved in an alleged drug cultivation and human trafficking operation located in Tulare County. The crimes are believed to have started in 2021. Charges were formally filed with the court on Friday, June 10, 2022.
Charged are 22-year-old Oswald Lopez of Farmersville, 43-year-old Armando Torres of Visalia, 45-year-old Amparo Torres of Visalia, and 18-year-old Armando Torres Jr., the son of Armando and Amparo. The Sheriff’s Office is currently asking for the public’s help in finding 27-year-old Cristian Torres and 43-year-old Juventino Torres, both of Visalia.
The defendants are charged with the following felonies unless otherwise noted:
Oswald Lopez: Five counts human trafficking of a minor, human trafficking, unlawful sexual intercourse, cultivating cannabis, two counts conspiracy to commit a crime, misdemeanor sexual battery. If convicted, he faces up to 28 years, 8 months in prison.
Armando Torres: Five counts human trafficking of a minor, human trafficking, two counts forcible rape, two counts unlawful sexual intercourse, two counts conspiracy to commit a crime, contact with a minor for sexual offense, cultivating cannabis, and misdemeanor sexual battery. If convicted, he faces up to 41 years, 4 months in prison.
Amparo Torres: Assault by means of force, cultivating cannabis, and conspiracy to commit a crime. If convicted, she faces up to 4 years, 8 months in prison.
Armando Torres, Jr.: Contact with a minor for sexual offense, meeting a minor for lewd purposes, and unlawful sexual intercourse. If convicted, he faces up to 4 years, 8 months in prison.
Cristian Torres: Five counts human trafficking of a minor, human trafficking, unlawful sexual intercourse, two counts conspiracy to commit a crime, cultivating cannabis, and misdemeanor sexual battery. If convicted, he faces up to 28 years, 8 months in prison.
Juventino Torres: Five counts human trafficking of a minor, human trafficking, two counts contact with a minor for sexual offense, unlawful sexual intercourse, two counts conspiracy to commit a crime, cultivating cannabis, and misdemeanor sexual battery. If convicted, he faces up to 28 years, 8 months in prison.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at (559) 733-6218.
The Office of the District Attorney is a founding member of the Tulare County Human Trafficking Task Force. Established in 2014, the Task Force brings law enforcement and community stakeholders together to identify victims of all forms of trafficking, deliver services to those victims, and lead to the successful investigation and prosecution of traffickers. In 2016, the Task Force began receiving funding from the United States Department of Justice to continue its mission of investigation, prosecution, victim service, and awareness. Lear more about the Task Force at www.stoptraffickingTC.com.
Media inquiries can be directed to the Office of the District Attorney, County of Tulare Assistant District Attorney Dave Alavezos (559) 636-5494