A 25-year-old member of the Forum Park Crips street gang has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his involvement in sex trafficking a 16-year-old girl in Houston. The sentencing was announced by federal prosecutors, highlighting the severity of the crime.
Andres Serrano Portillo, also known as “Andro,” received a 360-month prison sentence from U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. In addition to his prison term, Portillo will be subject to 10 years of supervised release, required to register as a sex offender, and must adhere to strict limitations regarding internet usage and contact with minors.
Portillo pleaded guilty to the charges in July 2022. During the sentencing, Judge Hanks remarked on the profound impact of Portillo’s actions, stating that he had devastated lives and only expressed remorse after being caught by law enforcement.
According to court documents, Portillo first encountered the victim on social media in October 2019. He subsequently lured her into commercial sex acts in various vehicles and motels along the “Bissonnet Track,” a location notorious for prostitution and sex trafficking activities.
Prosecutors revealed that Portillo held the girl captive at a residence where she faced repeated physical and sexual abuse. She ultimately managed to escape, hide, and contact her mother, which led to her rescue by law enforcement authorities.
Additionally, five co-conspirators linked to this sex trafficking operation have already been sentenced to federal prison terms ranging from 20 to 35 years for their roles in the criminal enterprise:
- Michael Anthony Gonzalez, 29, received a 240-month sentence.
- Jerreck Michael Hilliard, 37, received a 292-month sentence.
- Damarquis McGee, 28, received a 348-month sentence.
- Javon Yaw Opoku, 26, received a 365-month sentence.
- Clarence Christopher Chambers, 34, received a 420-month sentence.
The investigation into this case involved multiple agencies, including the Houston Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance.
Portillo remains in custody as he awaits transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
