Luis Uribe Convicted for Crimes Against Sex Workers

Veteran U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent Luis Uribe told a federal jury he respected women and never committed crimes against them. Uribe claimed, “no means no” and “stop means stop.” He emphatically stated, “I’ve never raped anybody in my whole life.” However, on Thursday, the jury found Uribe guilty of using his gun and badge to rob, sexually assault, and beat four Chinese sex workers in Chicago-area hotel rooms in 2022.

After deliberating for about 6.5 hours, the jury convicted Uribe on 11 counts of deprivation of rights under color of law, and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Uribe displayed no reaction as the verdict was announced in U.S. District Judge Jorge Alonso’s courtroom. His supporters in the gallery included a female relative who quietly cried. As Uribe was led away, he instructed his family to “take care of my kids” and shouted “I love you, babe” as the door closed.

Uribe faces a possible sentence ranging from 7 years up to life imprisonment, with sentencing scheduled for January 21. The trial shed light on the Chinese sex trade in the U.S., where immigrants are lured with promises of easy money for massages, which can devolve into forced labor in motel rooms. Uribe, stationed at O’Hare International Airport, was arrested in December 2025, accused of attacking four women over nine months in 2022, exploiting his police powers to rob and assault them.

During opening statements, prosecutors stated that Uribe “perverted” his duty to serve and protect, shifting from investigating crimes to committing them. Uribe’s defense argued he was flawed and had visited prostitutes, but asserted the alleged victims were lying and had set him up for immigration assistance. Evidence showed Uribe holding a gun used in assaults. His DNA was found on bedsheets post-attack, and a selfie from Uribe’s phone depicted him with his gun.

The victims identified Uribe as their attacker, believing him to be a “fake cop.” One woman took a precautionary photo of Uribe, shared through WeChat, warning others. “Lisa,” a mid-level boss of the trafficking ring, testified about a lunch meeting offering Uribe free sex weekly if he ceased attacks, which he allegedly accepted.

Uribe denied raping or robbing anyone, saying encounters were consensual and the women threatened a setup after his refusal to assist them. In cross-examination, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jonathan Shih questioned Uribe’s gym story, emphasizing a hotel visit for “Tina.” Shih asked, “You’re describing the rape of Tina as a good workout?” Uribe replied with a grin, claiming consensual sex.

Uribe’s attorney, Michael Clancy, argued in closing that Uribe’s “horrible answer” stemmed from frustration over false claims. Clancy urged the jury to disregard it, citing Uribe’s frustration with accusations and government questions.

In contrast, Shih highlighted the victims’ emotional and direct testimony against Uribe’s jokes on the stand, such as comparing Tina’s assault to exercise. Shih argued Uribe’s actions and remarks demonstrated his guilt. He characterized Uribe as a “fake cop,” a “rapist with a gun,” exploiting his police uniform.