On July 19, 2023, MBI Human Trafficking agents arrested two individuals for Human
Trafficking and are seeking to identify additional victims. The investigation conducted
by MBI discovered evidence that Joselito Martinez and Tanya Wurster trafficked three
females between 2019 and 2021 at multiple locations throughout Central Florida.
Martinez and Wurster provided a place to live for the victims, usually after bonding
them from jail. In return, the victims were forced to engage in commercial sex acts with
customers. Martinez and Wurster took photos of the victims and advertised them on
internet commercial sex sites. Martinez and Wurster took all proceeds from the
commercial sex dates and financial records indicate they may have made as much as
$300,000 over a two year period.
Martinez utilized narcotics, threats of violence, and humiliating acts such as shaving the
victim’s head in order to control the victims. Martinez also forced at least two of the
victims to accept tattoos, branding the females as his property. Martinez and Wurster
have a minor child together and according to testimony, the child was often present in
the home while the commercial sex dates were occurring.
Martinez and Wurster were constantly looking for new victims and MBI agents believe
there may be additional victims that have not been identified. MBI is asking if anyone
has information about other victims or information about the defendants’ criminal acts to
contact MBI, Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS, or their local law enforcement agency.
Martinez and Wurster have been arrested and were booked into the Orange County Jail.
The Attorney General’s Office of Statewide Prosecution is prosecuting the defendants.
It is critical for victims of human trafficking to receive services to assist them in healing
and recovery. One provider of services victims may reach out to is the Victim Service
Center of Central Florida (VSC).
The VSC provides crisis intervention, victim support, advocacy and therapy for victims
of sexual assault, violent crime and other traumatic circumstances including human
trafficking. Their 24/7 Helpline can be reached at 407-500-HEAL (4325).
