Last week, the Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force conducted an operation in Ventura County with an emphasis on rescuing victims of sex trafficking, identifying, and arresting their traffickers, and contacting commercial sex customers- commonly referred to as “Johns.”
Over the course of nine hours, detectives communicated with multiple victims in an attempt to provide them resources to get out of the lifestyle.
Detectives also posed as commercial sex workers on various web sites and communicated with multiple “Johns” who were seeking sex in exchange for money.
Four people were arrested for attempting to solicit prostitution but authorities from the Task Force said they could not share their names or affirm if the solicitors were residents from Ventura county.
While contacting one female, detectives learned this victim’s trafficker was still in the immediate area.
Detectives, without help from the uncooperative victim, were able to locate the trafficker in a nearby parking lot.
The trafficker was identified as Malik Aubrey from Torrance, California.
He had a criminal background and was currently on parole. Detectives located cash and other items on his person which showed pimping was taking place.
Malik Aubrey was arrested for California Penal Code 266h(a) [Pimping] and was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility.
The victim was offered resources and provided assistance in getting home along with other necessities.
All the victims who were contacted by detectives were provided assistance through the victim service providers.
The Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force would like to make the public aware of some signs of human trafficking at hotels and motels.
Traffickers often take advantage of the privacy and anonymity accessible through the hospitality industry.
Hotels and motels can be especially attractive locations for all forms of trafficking.
The type of signs to identifying this type of exploitation might include «guests with minimal luggage and clothing» and «individuals who can’t speak freely or seem disoriented», the authorities said.
“There might be «guests who insist on little or no housekeeping,” or multiple people being escorted to a room one at a time.”
Familiarize yourself with more signs of human trafficking at, www.polarisproject.org.
The Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force is a task force made up of members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ventura Police Department, Santa Paula Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department, Oxnard Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, California Department of Justice, and several victim service providers.
The primary mission of the task force is combatting the fight against sex and/or labor trafficking of humans within Ventura County. The Ventura County Task force works closely with surrounding cities and counties to fulfill our mission.
Detectives encourage victims to contact “211” or local law enforcement if you believe you are a victim or know a victim of human trafficking to be connected with services.
