Janesleon Colon-Santana, 24, faces multiple charges after her July 13 arrest
Credit: Meriden Police Department
NEED TO KNOW
- A 24-year-old Connecticut woman was arrested on July 13 and faces multiple charges including attempted human trafficking and promoting prostitution
- Police identified Janesleon Colon-Santana as the woman accused of being with two minors in a hotel room that was listed online for commercial sex services during their investigation
- Colon-Santana posted bond after it was reduced to $750,000 and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 7
A Connecticut woman was arrested after an investigation into a missing child led officers to find two minors in a hotel room that was listed online for commercial sex services, police said.
Janesleon Colon-Santana, 24, is facing multiple charges charges, including attempted human trafficking and commercial sexual abuse of a minor, the Meriden Police Department said in a Tuesday, July 28, statement.
PEOPLE reached out to the MPD for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.
It is not immediately known if Colon-Santana has retained an attorney.
Colon-Santana was arrested on July 13, reports NBC Connecticut. She was charged with two counts of risk of injury to a child, criminal attempt to commit human trafficking in persons, criminal attempt to commit commercial sexual abuse of a minor, promoting prostitution in the first degree and sale of narcotics.
When investigators entered the hotel room, one of the underage girls was partially unclothed, police alleged. The ages of the two minors were not disclosed.
Colon-Santana was initially held on a $1 million bond, although the court later reduced the amount to $750,000. She posted bond and was released until her next court date.
“The Meriden Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting children and holding those who exploit vulnerable individuals accountable,” police said in the announcement of Colon-Santana’s arrest. “Human trafficking often targets the most vulnerable members of our community, and we encourage anyone with information or concerns to come forward.”
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“Through proactive investigations and strong partnerships with our community, we will continue working tirelessly to identify victims, pursue offenders, and ensure the safety of our children,” he continued.
Colon-Santana is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on Aug. 7, NBC Connecticut reported.
The investigation is ongoing. Police asked anyone who may have been a victim or know someone who has to come forward. Individuals with information are asked to contact Meriden police at 203-238-1911.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
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