Final preliminary trial in November for suspect of human trafficking and sexual exploitation

In November, the trial of one of the two suspects in a human trafficking and sexual exploitation case in Emporia will continue.

Jesus Trillo-Hurtado is scheduled to appear for a final preliminary hearing on Nov. 6 at 4 p.m. The jury trial in the case is expected to begin on Nov. 12. The preliminary hearing was scheduled during Trillo-Hurtado’s final appearance Friday afternoon for a motion hearing before Judge Lee Fowler, where several motions from the defense and prosecution were considered.

Trillo-Hurtado is currently facing two counts of aggravated human trafficking and two counts of commercial exploitation in connection with alleged illegal activities involving a child under the age of 17 when the alleged crimes occurred in 2016.

Co-defendant Maria Trillo, meanwhile, entered an Alford plea on August 20 to one count of commercial exploitation of a child. An Alford plea means a defendant maintains his or her innocence but acknowledges there is sufficient evidence to support a conviction.

Additional charges, one for exploitation and two for aggravated trafficking, were dropped. Sentencing is scheduled for October 16.