DALY CITY, CA. (THECOUNT) — Joshua, Noel, Gerlen and Carlina Gamos – were arrested and remain in jail under a combined $9 million bail after authorities charge they with running a human trafficking operation out of the family businesses.
The family members face 59 counts of human trafficking, rape and labor abuse connected to a trafficking ring they were allegedly running out of California Rainbow Bright Daycare center as well as two senior care facilities.
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The family owned and operated the Rainbow Bright Daycare and two residential senior care facilities, and the crimes allegedly happened in six neighborhoods around the Bay Area.
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra announced the arrests and charges Friday morning.
“The workers were forced to live on the premises. They were forced to work up to 24 hours a day. One defendant is being charged with three counts of rape against a female employee whom he was trafficking,” Becerra said. source
Police seized 14 illegal assault weapons during a raid of the daycare center. A handgun was also recovered, allegedly found under a blanket within easy reach of children.
The victims of the alleged trafficking ring were immigrants from the Philippines who needed work in order to stay, according to Becerra.
The suspects are also accused of threatening employees with deportation.
Becerra said it was the workers who helped bring the case to light. Authorities have identified hundreds of victims and expect more.
“Rainbow Bright was cheating, not just their workers of their pay, not just their workers of their dignity, but was cheating you and me as taxpayers,” Becerra said.
Officials say the arrests were part of a year-long investigation by multiple agencies.
More charges are expected in the case.
Developing.