The recent felony charge of human trafficking against Tremonton rancher Dusty “Hootie” Roche, who is running for a Box Elder County Commission seat, has sparked controversy in Utah. Roche, along with his father and brother, is accused of mistreating a Mexican national worker at their family ranch, Roche Ranches Inc. The worker, identified as A.S., was allegedly housed in a dilapidated trailer without running water and subjected to long hours of work without adequate food or rest.
According to charging documents, A.S. suffered injuries, including a fractured orbital socket, after being bucked from a horse and stepped on multiple times. Despite his plea for medical attention, he was allegedly denied proper care and told he would be sent back to Mexico if he underwent surgery. The Utah Attorney General’s Office launched an investigation into Roche Ranches in 2021 after receiving a tip about the mistreatment of workers.
In response to the charges, Dusty Roche denied any wrongdoing and expressed confidence in the judicial system to vindicate his family. Roche defended his ranch’s treatment of foreign workers, emphasizing the positive impact they have on the operation. However, prosecutors allege a pattern of abusive behavior and derogatory remarks aimed at Mexican national workers at the ranch.
The case has brought attention to the issue of human trafficking in agriculture and raised questions about the treatment of foreign laborers in the industry. As Roche faces legal proceedings, his candidacy for a county commission seat is also under scrutiny, with voters urged to consider the allegations against him. The outcome of the case will determine the future of Roche Ranches and the welfare of its workers.
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