A 72-year-old U.S. citizen man identified by the surname Ringle was arrested Wednesday by agents of Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ) on suspicion of human trafficking for sexual exploitation and gender-based violence.

The case began when a foreign woman filed a complaint with authorities, accusing Ringle of sexually exploiting her, repeatedly raping her, and physically assaulting her, according to a brief statement issued by the OIJ.

The investigation was led by the Specialized Section on Gender-Based Violence and the Illicit Trafficking of Migrants. Preliminary findings indicate that the alleged abuse occurred over six years, from 2018 to 2024.

Investigators reported that the alleged crimes began in 2018, shortly after Ringle posted a job advertisement for cleaning positions at a hotel he owned in the Escazú canton of San José.

The victim was hired for the job, but investigators allege that she was forced to work without pay and endured repeated sexual and physical abuse by Ringle throughout her employment.

Following the investigation’s findings, the Public Ministry ordered Ringle’s arrest. OIJ agents subsequently began tracking him as part of the effort to detain him.

Ringle was taken into custody at 5:25 a.m. Wednesday at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Alajuela province, as he attempted to board a flight to the United States.

The case remains under investigation. Authorities are withholding specific details. Only the suspect relatives are authorized to request further information.

The OIJ is urging the public to report any suspected cases of human trafficking for sexual exploitation or gender-based violence. Tips can be submitted confidentially by calling the hotline at 800-8000-645 or the quick-response line at 11-76. Bilingual agents are available to assist in both English and Spanish.

Ringle is among many U.S. citizens recently arrested in Costa Rica. In March, a U.S. citizen woman, identified as DeLoach, was apprehended at the SJO on suspicion of drug trafficking.

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.

The Judicial Investigation Organization (OIJ), a division of Costa Rica’s Supreme Court of Justice, conducts criminal investigations. Officers in this operational unit have nationwide police authority. 

The Public Ministry is the government agency responsible for prosecuting criminal offenses and overseeing investigations.