19 suspected child predators, human traffickers arrested

LOS ANGELES – Undercover agents have arrested 19 suspected child predators and human traffickers during a three-day operation in Kings County, California, authorities announced last week.

The operation, dubbed “White Elephant,” was conducted from Nov. 29 to Dec. 1. The agents targeted adults seeking to sexually exploit children and victims of sex trafficking, according to a news release from California Attorney General Rob Bonta’s office.

The human trafficking operation included state, federal and local law enforcement agencies. Investigators spoke to numerous individuals online and on mobile apps known to foster this kind of illegal activity.

Along with the 19 arrests, the Kings County Sheriff’s Office said deputies also rescued two females during the human trafficking operation.

Thousands of human trafficking cases across the United States are reported every year, says California Attorney General Rob Bonta. FILE PHOTO

“In California, we do not tolerate the sexual exploitation and human trafficking of children,” said Bonta.

The Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Team within the Department of Justice was established to “combat this form of modern-day slavery,” he added.

All 19 suspects were booked into the Kings County and Tulare County jails. They face charges of sending harmful material to seduce a minor, communicating and meeting with a minor for the purpose of sex and enticing a minor to produce pornography.

Thousands of human trafficking cases across the United States are reported every year, Bonta said.

“Whether it’s for sex or labor, abusing power to force or coerce someone into doing something against their will is wrong,” he said.

“At the California Department of Justice, we’re committed to standing up for survivors, disrupting and dismantling human trafficking rings, and securing justice.”

In California, human trafficking is prevalent in the hospitality, commercial sex, domestic work and construction industries. Victims of human trafficking are also found among migrant and seasonal agricultural workers, providers of residential care and in the garment sector.

Victims of child sexual exploitation and human trafficking can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.