Remove ads by Supporting Independent News
Written by: A. Smith
Published January 30, 2026 @ 8:45 AM ET
MUSCOGEE COUNTY, Ga. – Two Columbus men accused of operating a human trafficking and drug distribution operation made their first appearance in court Thursday, where a judge found probable cause and ordered both held without bond on several serious felony charges.
Raul Reyes-Nepomuceno, 53, and Brandon Reyes-Escano, 23, were arrested following a months-long investigation involving the Columbus Police Department and federal agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Investigators allege the two men brought a woman from Mexico into the United States and forced her into prostitution in Columbus until she repaid an $18,000 debt.
According to testimony during the preliminary hearing, investigators executed a search warrant at a residence connected to the suspects and recovered approximately 47 grams of methamphetamine, a firearm, and a woman they believe was being trafficked for sexual exploitation. An investigator testified that surveillance showed people coming and going from the home at all hours, raising concerns of illegal activity. During a subsequent traffic stop, Raul Reyes-Nepomuceno was detained, and investigators later learned the woman had disclosed she was being trafficked.
Defense attorneys for both men challenged the charges, arguing investigators lacked probable cause to support allegations of human trafficking, pimping, drug trafficking, and maintaining a house of prostitution. Attorney Alfonso Whittaker questioned whether law enforcement ever observed money exchanging hands or recovered cash or high-value items tied to prostitution. The investigator acknowledged that no cash or luxury items were found during the investigation.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge David Ranieri ruled that probable cause existed for the charges and bound the case over to Muscogee County Superior Court. He ordered both men held without bond on charges of trafficking methamphetamine and trafficking a person for labor or sexual servitude. Additional charges include keeping a place of prostitution and related offenses.
The case remains under investigation.