Two arrested after human trafficking investigation in New Hanover County
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Over the last two months, The Coastal Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force has been investigating an alleged human trafficking operation in New Hanover County.
The Coastal Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force is comprised of members of the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Homeland Security Investigations.
During this investigation, information was gathered that two juveniles were being transported for the purpose of commercial sex. Further investigation revealed the two offenders were orchestrating the commercial sex dates, and one of the offenders was profiting from the arrangements.
On June 5, 2025, Paulino Gomez Sarmiento and Mirtha Caceres De Carrero, both of Wilmington were arrested on charges related to this investigation.
Paulino Gomez Sarmiento was charged with two counts of Human Trafficking of a Minor and two counts of Statutory Sex Offense.
Paulino Gomez Sarmiento (Photo: NHSO)
Mirtha Caceres De Carrero was charged with two counts of Human Trafficking of a Minor.
Mirtha Caceres De Carrero (Photo: NHSO)
The minor victims in this case were known to the offenders.
Both Sarmiento and De Carrero are being held on a 2-million-dollar secure bond at the New Hanover County Detention Facility.
