FINNEY COUNTY, Kan. (KAKE) - Two people were arrested Monday in Finney County with human trafficking charges after responding to an address for a dispute between a tenant and a landlord.

Deputies with the Finney County Sheriff's Office said once arriving at the home, they learned that the situation involved immigrants from multiple countries being housed at the residence for work. Preliminary investigation discovered at least 16 occupants, including some minor children, at the home that weren’t being paid or cared for properly, the sheriff's office said. 

The sheriff's office said 32-year-old Jose Castillo-Alegria and 38-year-old Betty Palomino were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking for transporting at least 16 individuals into Finney County and housing them at several properties in the area for work purposes.

Castillo-Algeria and Palomino are lodged in the Finney County Jail and the sheriff's office is requesting the following charges for them both:

  • Aggravated Human Trafficking; Recruit/Harbor/Transport Child > 14
  • Human Trafficking; Threaten to Withhold Food, Shelter, or Clothes

The Finney County Sheriff's Office is also requesting charges of crimes of human smuggling and aggravated human smuggling for Castillo-Alegria and interference of a law enforcement officer for Palomino.