Two U.S. citizens, a man with the last name Haag-Haag (also known as Dale-Williams) and a woman identified as Gorman-Grace, were arrested by Costa Rica's Migration Police on suspicion of human trafficking for sexual exploitation.

According to the General Directorate of Migration, the arrest followed a police operation ordered by the Public Ministry and executed at the Haag-Haag property in the Tinamaste community located in the Barú district of Pérez Zeledón canton, San José province.

Initial investigations reveal that the suspects allegedly promoted "therapeutic" or "mental health improvement" trips via social media, disguised as a "mystery school." Their target was vulnerable American women, especially those experiencing depression.

Upon arrival in Costa Rica, the women were taken to the suspects' property, where the suspects allegedly confiscated their passports and identification documents through deception. The victims were then forced into prostitution.

Authorities say the women were coerced into performing sexual acts while being filmed. The videos were later uploaded to adult websites. In addition, the victims were reportedly made to wear dog collars and were subjected to physical abuse.

Dale and Gorman received the money generated from the victims' exploitation, said the Public Ministry authorities.

The investigation began in 2024 when Phoenix police in Arizona notified Costa Rican authorities after a woman from Phoenix filed a complaint claiming she had been sexually exploited by Dale and Gorman. Allegedly, the victim escaped the property and, upon returning to the U.S., reported the incident.

The U.S. Embassy's Department of Security forwarded the complaint to Costa Rican authorities, prompting a local investigation into the suspects' activities.

During the arrest, police confiscated cell phones, computers, documents, and other electronic devices relevant to the investigation.

Dale and Gorman were taken to holding cells at the Public Ministry in San José, where they were scheduled for questioning by agents of the Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ). They will await a judge's decision on pretrial measures related to the charges of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities are withholding specific details. Only the victims are authorized to request further information.

According to the U.S. Embassy's website, in cases involving U.S. citizens arrested in Costa Rica, a consular officer will visit the individual to ensure their well-being and review the conditions of their arrest. The officer also provides information on legal procedures, including a list of attorneys, and can notify family or friends upon request.

However, the Embassy states that consular officers cannot act as attorneys or influence the release of U.S. citizens. Costa Rican authorities are required to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately after arresting a U.S. citizen unless the individual specifically requests otherwise.

In certain cases, consular officers may serve as liaisons between the individual and their family, and provide a list of local attorneys. They can also assist with transferring funds for legal fees or to cover living expenses while incarcerated.

If a U.S. citizen is imprisoned for an extended period, consular officers will visit at least once every three to four months.

Dale and Gorman are among several U.S. citizens recently arrested in Costa Rica. In another case, the Criminal Court of San Ramón Canton in Alajuela province ordered one year of preventive detention for a U.S. citizen named Moriondo, aged 60, who is the sole suspect in the femicide of his 20-year-old wife, Costa Rican citizen Centeno-Murillo.

The General Directorate of Migration, the law enforcement agency under Costa Rica’s Ministry of Public Security, is tasked with addressing cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety.

The OIJ, operating under Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice, is responsible for criminal investigations nationwide.

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