U.S. Attorney Joe Hogsett said those behind the organization would smuggle women into the country from Mexico and Central America and force them into prostitution as a form of payment.

The women were then moved nearly every week, often not discovering their destination until they arrived, and had no means to make money except to continue in prostitution, authorities said.

"A judge has found that leaders of this organization used force or the threat of force to coerce several of these women into cooperating," Hogsett's news release read.

Gregorio Hernandez-Castilla, 34, conspired to operate an interstate prostitution ring with his two brothers. He was sentenced to 41 months in prison.

Jose Luis Hernandez-Castilla, of Indianapolis, and Norberto Hernandez-Castilla, 51, of Chicago, were previously sentenced on similar charges.

Hogsett said all three were in the U.S. illegally.

"For years, this criminal organization moved women like human merchandise all over this city and across the Midwest," Hogsett said. "I am proud to announce today that we have finalized our effort to completely dismantle this dangerous group, bringing an end to their cycle of exploitation."

Police said the brothers directed a group of local manager, who moved prostitutes through apartments and houses in Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio.

Twelve more people were charged in connection with the operation.

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