Death – Obituary – Accident and Crime News : Murfreesboro Woman Arrested in Middle Tennessee Human Trafficking Ring
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) announced the arrest of a Murfreesboro woman in connection with a human trafficking ring that operated in Middle Tennessee. Yilibeth Rivero De Caldera, 50, allegedly trafficked female Hispanic immigrants in Nashville for commercial sex.
The TBI initiated an investigation this fall after receiving information about a woman named Yibi, who was later identified as De Caldera. According to authorities, De Caldera facilitated the entry of women from Central and South America into the United States by providing financial assistance. However, she would then impose a significant debt on the victims and force them into engaging in commercial sex acts at local hotels to repay their debts.
A joint operation was conducted on Thursday by the TBI’s Human Trafficking Unit, along with the Tennessee Human Trafficking Task Force, Metropolitan Nashville Police, Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office, Murfreesboro Police, FBI, HAS, and the 16th and 20th Judicial District Attorney General’s Offices. The operation aimed to gather evidence related to the case and rescue victims.
As a result of the operation, authorities were able to identify more than a dozen victims. Partner nonprofit organizations, including Ancora TN, Rescue One Global, Thistle Farms, and Catholic Charities, offered resources and assistance to the victims. Seven of the women accepted the services provided.
De Caldera was apprehended in Rutherford County and transferred to Davidson County, where she faces nine counts of trafficking for a commercial sex act. She is currently held on a $900,000 bond.
“The investigation into this trafficking enterprise continues, with the potential for additional arrests, charges, and victim identifications,” stated the TBI in a news release.
The TBI urges anyone with information about De Caldera or this criminal enterprise to contact them at 1-800-TBI-FIND (824-3463). Victims in need of assistance can reach out to the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-558-6484.
For more information on human trafficking, including warning signs and Tennessee’s response to this crime, visit the official website at http://www.ithastostop.com/.