Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Fitzgerald
File # Multiple
Details:
On April 19, 2023, the Moreno Valley Station, Problem Oriented Policing (POP) and Gang teams, along with the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RCAHT) conducted a comprehensive “John” prostitution sting in an effort to reduce the demand for sex trafficking in the city of Moreno Valley. The operation resulted in 12 persons who were arrested for 647(b) PC, solicitation of prostitution. Additionally, three potential victims were identified and provided victim services and resources.
Prostitution is not a victimless crime. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates that one in six endangered runaways reported are likely victims of sex trafficking. Sex trafficking victims are often subjected not only to severe forms of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at the hands of their trafficker, but are also frequently physically and sexually assaulted by those that solicit them for prostitution. Moreno Valley Station POP and Gang teams, along with the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force seek to disrupt and dismantle sex trafficking rings operating within Riverside County and will aggressively identify, pursue and apprehend those who seek to exploit those who are most vulnerable. They will also proactively work to reduce future demand for sex trafficking by identifying and arresting sex buyers.
If you, or anyone you know has been a victim of human trafficking, you can contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at (888) 373-7888 or contact your local law enforcement department.
Anyone with questions about this operation can contact Deputy P. Mercado of the Moreno Valley Station POP Team at (951)-486-6700.
For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.
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