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50-year-old Rafael Juan Mitjans has been indicted by a federal grand jury and accused of forcing innocent individuals into a “domestic servitude” relationship. According to reports, the suspect abused three immigrants who came from Cuba between September of 2023 and July 31, 2024.
Records indicate that the Las Vegas native knowingly and willingly lied to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services about his intention to provide for the immigrants.
Mitjans filled out immigration forms stating that he would provide the three individuals with their basic needs, including money for their domestic services each month. He also stated that he would provide each immigrant with their own individual rooms, television, desk, laptop, clothing, shoes, and hygiene products. As part of the work and live-in arrangement, Mitjans also said he would provide each immigrant with three healthy and fulfilling meals a day.
After reviewing the facts of the situation, prosecutors believe the suspect knew the statements he was making on the immigration forms were false at the time he submitted them.
Once the immigrants arrived to work for the suspect, he reportedly took all of their passports, immigration documents, and other identifying information. Prosecutors allege the purpose of this was to restrict the individual’s ability to move, travel, or flee.
On March 12, Mitjans was charged with three counts of forced labor and three counts of false statements on immigration documents. His trial date has been set for May 19, 2025. If convicted, then the suspect faces up to 20 years in prison.
This arrest was made possible thanks to the investigative work of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the Clark County School District Police Department, the U.S. Department of Labor, the Office of Inspector General, and the Diplomatic Security Service.
Federal forced labor charges are extremely serious. Forcing someone into domestic servitude is considered a violation of that person’s fundamental basic human rights, and the federal statute falls into the same category as slavery and trafficking crimes. Forced labor is considered knowingly obtaining the labor or services of a person using force, threats of force, fraud, or physical restraint.
Peonage is a condition of servitude without much hope for release, and slavery is complete control over a person in such a manner that it deprives them of their personal freedom. Involuntary servitude, a similar charge, arises when the victim is forced to work under force or threats of force.
Those accused of similar crimes can argue that there was an absence of force or coercion in the work arrangement. They could also argue that the victim was free to leave.
All that said, you will need an extremely experienced and qualified attorney to represent you if you face such significant criminal charges.
Here at LV Criminal Defense, our team of highly specialized and proven attorneys can help you navigate your situation if you’re facing similar charges.
Schedule a free consultation with our team now to discuss your situation in more depth with our lawyers.
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