Attorney General Sean D. Reyes Issues Statement on Deceased Victor Manuel Rax
SECURE Strike Force Continues to Urge Victims to Call Tip Line
April 29, 2014 — The Attorney General’s Office was informed this morning that Victor Manuel Rax took his own life in the Salt Lake County jail last night. Mr. Rax had been charged with 63 counts including multiple drug related charges, Aggravated Human Trafficking for Forced Labor Involving Children, Aggravated Sex Abuse of Children, and Endangerment of Children.
“Although any loss of human life is upsetting and Mr. Rax was presumed innocent, we are relieved that the 16 alleged victims, 15 of whom are children, will not have to face the trauma of testifying in criminal court proceedings. Moreover, while his guilt or innocence will now never be proven through the justice system, if he was guilty as we alleged, then we are comforted that many children and their families will live in fear no more,” said Attorney Genearl Sean D. Reyes. “Mr. Rax’s brothers are currently being held in the Salt Lake County jail and each of their charges will be evaluated on their own merit. We are currently assessing whether or not Mr. Rax’s death will have any impact on the cases connected to those two individuals.”
The Utah Attorney General SECURE Strike Force thanks the public for help in identifying victims and urges those who have not yet come forward to call the SECURE Tip Line number at 801-281-1203 to report abuse and receive support services.
