KINGS COUNTY, California — In a significant crackdown on human trafficking, a collaborative task force comprising the Kings County Sheriff’s Office, Hanford Police Department, Lemoore Police Department, Corcoran Police Department, California Department of Justice, FBI, Kings County Major Crimes Task Force, Homeland Security, and Naval Criminal Investigation Services (NCIS) has apprehended 19 individuals in the Central Valley.
This Central Valley human trafficking bust operation, which took place between November 29th and December 1st, aimed to combat human trafficking and child exploitation, which have plagued the region. Investigators engaged with numerous individuals on various internet sites and mobile applications notorious for facilitating illegal activities of this nature.
The operation unveiled disturbing intentions, with several suspects arranging meetings to engage in prostitution, soliciting underage individuals for sexual services, and even orchestrating the trafficking of underage girls.
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Among the 19 suspects apprehended, two unidentified females were rescued from the clutches of human trafficking, underscoring the significance of this multi-agency effort.
The arrested individuals include 29-year-old Jose Figueroa Laredo, 25-year-old Jose Leon Martinez, 38-year-old Raul Carrillo Flores, 26-year-old Andrew Prieto, 22-year-old Elijah Perez, 29-year-old Isaac Martinez, 34-year-old Jose Jimenez Munoz, 30-year-old Benustiano Martinez Ceja, 30-year-old Leyser Padilla Galicia, 32-year-old Jose Garcia, 29-year-old Ernesto Castro, 35-year-old Joshua Wilkinson, 24-year-old Andrew Orosco, 47-year-old Anthony Baffo, 30-year-old Cody Mendes, 30-year-old Juan Vasquez, and 35-year-old David Serrato.
In light of this operation, it is crucial to remember that help and support are available for victims of human trafficking in California. If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please reach out to local authorities or organizations specializing in victim assistance to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
