Twenty-one men were cited for soliciting prostitution following a two-day undercover operation conducted by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, authorities announced.
Undercover agents with the sheriff’s office Operations Unit posed as sex workers to contact potential buyers, sometimes referred to as “johns,” across the county during the sting.
Four of the men cited were also found in possession of drugs, according to the sheriff’s office. One man was discovered carrying a concealed, loaded firearm without a permit and will face additional charges.
Video released from the operation showed agents pursuing suspects on foot and handcuffing others during the arrests.
The sheriff’s office described trafficking enforcement as a multi-pronged effort. “Human trafficking is complex, and there is no single approach to addressing it,” the office said. “In Placer County, law enforcement and our community partners work from several different angles, including identifying and supporting survivors, investigating traffickers and addressing the factors that can contribute to exploitation.”
Representatives from Stand Up Placer, a local nonprofit that supports survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking, joined agents in speaking with the cited men about the consequences of their actions and how buying sex fuels human trafficking, the sheriff’s office said.
Officials noted that much of the trafficking activity they encounter in the county is arranged through dating apps and other online platforms.
Stand Up Placer offers a confidential webchat service for survivors and victims of human trafficking, sexual assault and domestic violence.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login