Stopping human trafficking: 31 people arrested in operation

SAN DIEGO – As part of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force conducted a three-day operation (Jan. 26 through Jan. 28) throughout San Diego County targeting sex buyers and traffickers.

The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and allied local law enforcement agencies arrested a total of 30 men for solicitation and one man for pimping, pandering, and possession of a concealed firearm, after he recruited an undercover detective into prostitution online. These cases will be referred to local prosecutors.

Sex buyers help drive the demand for the criminal business of sex trafficking. The activities of those arrested in this operation contribute to the negative consequences victims of human trafficking endure. The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is committed to combating human trafficking by not only investigating and pursuing traffickers, but also by pursuing those looking to pay and engage in this type of unlawful activity.

The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is comprised of:

California Department of Justice

California Highway Patrol

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Homeland Security and Investigations

National City Police Department

San Diego City Attorney's Office

San Diego County District Attorney's Office

San Diego County Probation Department

San Diego County Sheriff's Department

San Diego Police Department

United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of California

The Chula Vista Police Department also participated in the operation.

The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force encourages the public to report human trafficking to their local law enforcement agency or by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.

Submitted by the San Diego County Sheriff.