Prostitution Sting Nets 14 Arrests In Moreno Valley

MORENO VALLEY, CA — A prostitution sting led by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department resulted in 12 arrests this week in Moreno Valley, the law enforcement agency announced.

Wednesday's operation, dubbed a "John" sting by the sheriff's department, led to the arrests of 11 males for solicitation of prostitution, two females for prostitution, and one additional male for pimping, according to the agency.

"The females were later identified as potential victims of human trafficking and provided victim services and resources," the sheriff's department reported.

"Prostitution is not a victimless crime," the agency continued. "The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates that one in six endangered runaways reported are likely victims of sex trafficking. Sex trafficking victims are often subjected not only to severe forms of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at the hands of their trafficker but are also frequently physically and sexually assaulted by those who solicit them for prostitution."

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of human trafficking, you can contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 888-373-7888 or contact your local law enforcement agency.