A 34-year-old illegal immigrant mother in Wisconsin has pleaded guilty to trafficking her 12-year-old daughter, in a case that has shocked the community and drawn national concern. Elia Antonio entered guilty pleas to charges of child trafficking, failure to protect a child, and bail jumping. She now faces over 52 years in prison, with sentencing set for August.
Authorities arrested Antonio in 2024 after discovering she had arranged for her boyfriend, Juan Carlos Rocha Mejia, 32, to pay her over $250 to be alone with the young girl. According to police, Antonio instructed her daughter to get into a van, then allowed Mejia to drive the child to Oakfield, Wisconsin, where the reported assault occurred.
Despite being blindfolded and restrained, the girl managed to escape after biting her attacker. She ran to a nearby home, where a resident called 911. First responders quickly arrived, and the child was rescued.
Investigators found that Antonio had hidden a phone in the van and listened during the ordeal but never contacted law enforcement. She later admitted to orchestrating the incident for financial gain and made no attempt to intervene or call for help.
Fond du Lac County District Attorney Eric Toney condemned the crime, stating, “Today is a step towards justice for the survivor and holding the defendant accountable for her despicable actions involving her own child.”
The case has intensified public calls for tougher immigration enforcement and stronger protections for children. Lawmakers and advocacy groups are urging a full investigation into how Antonio remained in the country despite prior legal issues and how such a severe betrayal could occur without earlier intervention.
Antonio remains in custody and is expected to face the maximum sentence under Wisconsin law.
