Woman sentenced to life in prison in Houston sex trafficking case

Thursday, January 21, 2016

HOUSTON -- A woman will spend the rest of her life in prison for her role in a sex-trafficking conspiracy in Houston.

Hortencia "Tencha" Medeles-Arguello was sentenced to life Wednesday. According to the FBI, she used prostitutes, many of whom were minors or forced to engage in sex acts, to make money at her cantina.

"Let this sentence send a message that lives are not to be bought and sold," said FBI special agent Perry K Turer.

Medeles-Arguello was convicted in April following a 10-day trial.

Police say they're still looking for Alfonso Diaz-Juarex, one of Medeles-Arguello's suspected co-conspirators. Up to a $50K reward is being offered.