SAN DIEGO, California — The California Attorney General’s Office revealed that a sweeping sex trafficking sting operation, dubbed Operation Better Pathways, led to the arrest of 46 individuals in San Diego County last month.
Spanning from March 5 to March 27, 2024, the multi-day operation targeted areas notorious for sexual exploitation in National City and San Diego, as outlined by the Attorney General’s Office. Conducted with a blend of surveillance tactics and undercover work, officers posed as individuals offering sex for sale to apprehend potential sex buyers.
The operation resulted in the apprehension of 46 individuals suspected of involvement in human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and various other criminal activities. Among those arrested, authorities identified 20 individuals, including seven minors, who were provided with essential support services.
In a statement addressing the operation’s outcomes, Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the devastating impact of human trafficking and sexual exploitation on individuals’ lives. He expressed the office’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable while extending support and services to survivors.
Following the arrests, authorities have forwarded the cases to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California for potential criminal prosecution.
