Pastor accused of trafficking minors from Argentina to Iredell County: Sheriff

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A Mooresville man has been charged with human trafficking and child sexual assault offenses after allegedly leading minors on a religious trip from Argentina to the United States, according to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.

On August 12, detectives learned of sexual offenses committed against two minors between May 2002 and June 2008.

The victims were both from Argentina and between the ages of 13 and 17 at the time of the offenses, officials said. They were reportedly part of a religious ministry led by the suspect, 50-year-old Luis Alberto Sosa, who was serving as a missionary pastor from Argentina.

The investigation revealed that Sosa brought the victims to the United States under the false pretense of a ministry opportunity and a “once-in-a-lifetime’ trip. At the time, Sosa was reportedly granted temporary guardianship over the children while they were traveling.

Over the course of two months, Sosa allegedly committed several separate sexual offenses against the minors while they were in his care, the sheriff’s office said.

The case was first reported by the victims to the Argentinian authorties. It was later forwarded to the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office through the Argentinian Consulate, which started a joint investigation.

Detectives learned Sosa fled to Florida from North Carolina. Officials obtained arrest warrants for Sosa, as well as a nationwide extradition order.

Authorities learned Sosa was in Flagler County, and he was arrested without incident there by deputies with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.

Sosa is being held without bond in Florida while he is awaiting extradition back to Iredell County to face the following charges:

• Two counts of felony human trafficking
• Five counts of felony statutory sexual offense
• Seven counts of felony sexual activity by a custodian
• Two counts of felony indecent liberties with a child

The Sheriff’s Office said Sosa has no known prior criminal history at this time.

“This investigation demonstrates how critical collaboration between agencies is in bringing fugitives to justice,” Sheriff Darren Campbell said. “We thank the Argentinian authorities and the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance.”