CAPE CORAL, Fla. — You may remember the human trafficking case at a taco bell in Cape Coral in May of 2017.
Two people arrested on sex trafficking charges have been sentenced.
Prosecutors say Darnell Walker and Laila Fouissi worked together to lure teenage girls. They say Fouissi found victims while working as a manager at the Taco Bell on Hancock Parkway in cape coral.
A victim came forward.. tipping off investigators with disturbing details.
Today Darnell walker was sentenced to fifteen years in prison followed by ten years of probation. Laila Fouissi was sentenced to six years in prison, with nine years of probation. Each of them will be designated sexual predators
The state attorney office says Walker and Fouissi worked together to prey on young teens, promising victims they would make a lot of money.
Fox 4 spoke to members of the community about reactions to the outcome of this case.
"Its out outrageous that we have a society where that kind of a thing could happen. Where is our concern for children, " says Kenny Belford.
Investigators say Fouissi befriended a 17-year-old employee and introduced her to Walker.
The report also indicated the pair abducted the teen and drove her under a bridge near Del Parado, where they forced her to perform sexual acts.
In 2017, Walker was arrested for the kidnapping and sexual assault of the teen.
"Its very scary to know that's going on right here somewhere you shop locally, " said Sonja Bush.
Police reports also state that in one incident the teen was ordered to put a gun to her head. They even robbed the victim of two-thousand dollars.
A young woman spoke to us about how sexual abuse can have long-lasting psychological effects.
"They don't understand how that ruins someone," said Danieska Abad.
Some feel the sentencing for the couple should have been longer.
"I think they should have an equal amount, but either way they deserve more time," said Bush.
Prosecutors say this was an important sentencing today, they do not take cases like this lightly and will continue to fight against human sex trafficking in Southwest Florida
