Bail set at $1 million for NC man accused of human trafficking of child

An investigation into a Chatham County man’s alleged inappropriate sexual conduct has led to additional sex-crime charges, including human trafficking.

Nicandro Ortega, 55, of Siler City, was initially arrested on two felony counts of disseminating obscenity last week, according to the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office.

Investigators uncovered evidence of two pieces of obscene material that Ortega had sent to a family member after receiving a report of inappropriate sexual conduct on June 21.

Following an investigation of additional evidence Ortega is being charged with human trafficking, sexual servitude, indecent liberties with a child, additional counts of disseminating obscenity, indecent exposure, sexual battery, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Ortega’s bail bond was raised from $100,000 to $1 million, the Sheriff’s Office said Wednesday.

Ortega is accused of deceiving the victim into sexual servitude and sending additional obscene material to the victim, according to authorities.

He is scheduled to appear in Chatham County District Court on July 17.

Resources for victims of sexual assault

▪ The Durham Crisis Response Center offers a 24-hour helpline and offers various resources on its website at thedcrc.org/. The center’s helpline is available in English at 919-403-6562 and in Spanish at 919-519-3735.

▪ InterAct’s crisis line in Wake County is available 24 hours a day in English at 919-828-7740 and in Spanish at 844-203-8896. Find other resources on InterAct’s website at interactofwake.org/. Counselors are also available from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday.

▪ Orange County Rape Crisis Center’s helpline is open 24 hours a day at 919-967-7273. Other resources can be found in English and Spanish on the organization’s website at ocrcc.org/.

▪ RAINN’s national sexual assault hotline is open 24 hours a day at 1-800-656-4673.

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