Anti-Human Trafficking Operations 

September 22, 2023 - Riverside County Sheriff's Office officials report that on September 20, 2023, the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s 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 14 arrests, 11 males for solicitation of prostitution, 2 females for prostitution, and one additional male for pimping. The females were later identified as potential victims of human trafficking 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 who 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.

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Joseph Fitzgerald

File # Multiple for Solicitation, R232630009 for Pimping

Source: Riverside County Sheriff's Office