Pennsylvania State Police are investigating a human trafficking case that began after a vehicle drove into the center median on Interstate 76 eastbound near mile marker 199.5 in Lurgan Township, Franklin County, on Nov. 19 around 5:39 p.m.
Troopers from Troop T – Newville found two men and one woman in the vehicle. One of the men had a deep laceration to his neck and shoulder area and was flown to Penn State Health Holy Spirit for treatment. The woman fled the scene but was later located nearby by other troopers.
Preliminary indicators of human trafficking were observed, and the Troop H Major Case Team was activated to investigate.
Through investigation, police determined the woman did not know the two men. She reportedly believed she was being transported to New York but was actually being taken to Philadelphia. It was alleged that she was to be coerced into sexual activity and was threatened if she resisted.
The suspects, identified as Jose Antonio Hernandez Gutierrez, 30, and Edgar Jesus Espinoza Gamboa, 28, both of Hispanic descent, were charged with Human Trafficking, Simple Assault, and Terroristic Threats. They were taken to Franklin County Prison.
The investigation is ongoing and being handled by the Troop H Major Case Team and the Pennsylvania State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
