A woman from Hialeah named Liliannet “Lili” Betancourt, 33, has been taken into custody by Miami-Dade County authorities for the sex trafficking of a minor at a hotel located in southwest Miami-Dade. This arrest marks her second apprehension for human trafficking activities this year, following a previous arrest in March for forcing young women into prostitution.
According to the arrest report from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, the incidents took place on December 7, 2024, at the WoodSpring Suites, situated at 16055 SW 117th Ave, as reported by Local 10. Betancourt played a central role in the trafficking operations, arranging commercial sexual encounters for the underage victim and handling both cash and digital payments via CashApp. The report emphasizes that the victim did not receive any portion of the earnings.
This recent arrest follows the charges filed in March, where detectives claimed Betancourt trafficked a vulnerable immigrant mother and a pregnant teenager at the same hotel. In that situation, the victim had crossed the U.S.-Mexico border with her husband and four children while pregnant. After being separated from her husband in Miami Springs and losing custody of her children to the Department of Children and Families, the woman was lured into trafficking by Betancourt and Philbrine “Dolla” Bell through false promises of assistance in securing housing and reuniting with her children.
Following her latest arrest, Betancourt was transported to the South District Station of the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office, where she exercised her right to remain silent. Jail records indicate that she faces charges including human trafficking of a minor, deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution, illegal use of a communication device, and using or renting premises for prostitution. She is currently held without bail at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center.
Authorities believe there may be more victims and urge anyone with information to contact the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
Understanding the Impact of Human Trafficking in Miami
How prevalent is human trafficking in Miami?
Human trafficking is a significant issue in Miami, partly due to its large immigrant population and status as a major international hub. Authorities frequently encounter cases involving both labor and sex trafficking.
What should individuals do if they suspect trafficking?
If you suspect trafficking, it is crucial to report it to local law enforcement or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Providing detailed information can aid in the investigation and rescue efforts.
What legal consequences do traffickers face?
Traffickers can face severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences, fines, and forfeiture of assets. The severity of the penalties often depends on the nature of the trafficking activities and the age of the victims involved.