Jaime Motta Held in Oconee Jail for 17 Months with No Trial or Bail Over Accusations of Human Trafficking.

Hispanic Immigrant Held on Human Trafficking Charges in South Carolina

In June 2023, Hispanic immigrant Jaime Motta was arrested in West Union, South Carolina, on charges of human trafficking. The arrest followed a report by a woman named Karen, who alleged that she had been trafficked to South Carolina by Mr. Motta.

Mr. Motta and his friend Abigail contest these allegations, stating that Karen was his girlfriend and that he paid for her to relocate to South Carolina to live with him. Abigale facilitated Karen's immigration by having her uncle sign as Karen's sponsor. Together with her children and Mr. Motta, Abigail picked Karen up from the airport. Both Mr. Motta and Karen shared this version of events. I spoke with several of Jaime’s coworkers and friends that all attest that Karen's story does not match Jaime’s character.

During her stay, Mr. Motta provided Karen with clothes, a cell phone, a gym membership, and other gifts. He also claims to have loaned her $7,000. Abigail mentioned observing Karen being affectionate toward Mr. Motta on several occasions. Jaime feels these accusation arose out of Karen deciding to leave the relationship and not wanting to pay back the money. Abigail questions if Karen simply used Jaime for a free ride

According to statements from Abigail and Mr. Motta, Jaime maintained regular communication with Karen's mother. They allege that when Karen expressed a desire to leave for California, her mother asked Mr. Motta to prevent her from leaving, believing she was safe with him.

To dissuade Karen from leaving, Mr. Motta is alleged to have hidden her immigration paperwork in his apartment where they lived together before going to work the next day. Karen alleges that during this time, she attempted to leave the apartment but was attacked and forced to stay inside by Mr. Motta. There are reportedly no witnesses to this incident. The following day, after Mr. Motta went to work, Karen sought assistance from the police.

Karen, while Jaime was at work, walked to a local commercial center and contacted the West Union police. Karen does not speak English. In her police report, Karen claimed she was raped. A medical examination was conducted, and Mr. Motta's DNA was found. He asserts that their sexual relations were consensual.

West Union Police Chief Ben Hailey stated that he is thoroughly familiar with the details of the investigation. While acknowledging evidence that Karen may have come to South Carolina voluntarily, he maintains that there is sufficient evidence to pursue kidnapping charges related to the incident involving the hidden paperwork.

As of November 2024, Mr. Motta has been held without trial in the Oconee County Detention Center for nearly a year and a half. He maintains his innocence and has declined any plea deals. A plea hearing scheduled for November 21, 2024, was postponed, and his lawyer, Charles Grose, anticipates it will be rescheduled for December.

The case highlights conflicting accounts from both parties as well as police and court misconduct. Jaime has been held for a year and a half without so much as an evidentiary hearing in a case where the evidence seems ambiguous. It appears that the case against Jaime hinges on the testimony of one woman, Karen. Further developments are expected as legal proceedings continue. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.