Seven children rescued, 46 arrests made after sex trafficking sting in San Diego

SAN DIEGO, CA - According to the California Attorney General's Office, a major sting was conducted last month by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, resulting in 46 arrests in connection to human sex trafficking.

Operation Better Pathways took place between March 5th and 27th in both San Diego and nearby National City in what was described as "areas known for sexual exploitation."

"During the operation," a press release from the AG's office said, "law enforcement personnel conducted targeted surveillance of areas known for sexual exploitation in San Diego and National City, utilizing various investigative techniques to directly identify and stop alleged human trafficking and sexual exploitation in real time.

"Simultaneously, law enforcement went after sex buyers by posing as individuals offering sex for sale at those same locations. Sex buyers were then generally directed to an alternate location and arrested."

Some of the arrests were made as a result of police going undercover, while some resulted from other investigative techniques, stopping the trafficking and/or abuse before it happened. 

Arrests were made for crimes such as human trafficking of a minor and assault with a deadly weapon.

Additionally, authorities reported that there were 20 victims, including seven children, who were discovered during the sting and offered resources and assistance. 

The AG's office continued in its statement, saying, "The multi-jurisdictional operation, which concluded earlier this month, is part of a broader, regional effort to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation through targeted enforcement, relying both on surveillance of known locations and officers working undercover."

Attorney General Rob Bonta commented on the operation, saying, “Human trafficking and sexual exploitation destroy lives. Through Operation Better Pathways, we’re fighting to hold perpetrators accountable and help survivors with support and services. This initiative serves as a powerful example of how the implementation of public safety measures can effectively intervene in breaking the cycle of violence and abuse.

"It also sends a clear message to potential offenders that their criminal behavior will not be tolerated. We are grateful to all our dedicated partners involved in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, whose collaboration has been invaluable. We take great pride in our office's commitment to uplifting vulnerable Californians by offering them assistance and guidance when they need it most. By working together, we have achieved tangible results that make a difference in people's lives. The California Department of Justice is always prepared to step up and advocate for public safety.”

San Diego Chief of Police David Nisleit also commented, saying, “While Operation Better Pathways has been successful in capturing those who prey on the most vulnerable, the results also remind us that we must remain vigilant in our fight against human trafficking. Protecting our community from sexual predators requires the continued cooperation and commitment from the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force. Our work is just beginning."
 

Agencies serving as part of the SDHTTF include the California Department of Justice, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, National City Police Department, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Probation Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. 

--
"Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery where perpetrators profit from the control and exploitation of adults and children for sex or labor through force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking does not require movement across borders. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there were more than 1,300 human trafficking cases reported in California in 2021 — more than any other state in the nation. 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 California’s garment sector. 

"If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to access help and services. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Additional information and resources to support survivors of human trafficking is available here."