SoCal Child Sex Trafficking Suspect Arrested: Additional Victims Sought

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — A 31-year-old registered sex offender suspected of human trafficking across state lines and sexually exploiting a girl was arrested and extradited to California, the Riverside Police Department announced.

Deirdrick Dayvon Bradford was arrested in Phoenix, following a lengthy investigation by Riverside Vice Unit Detectives and an associated task force. He was extradited to Riverside County in late October, where he awaits arraignment for numerous felonies, including sex trafficking of a minor, pimping, and possessing child pornography, according to jail records.

“This investigation highlights the outstanding work of our Vice Unit and their relentless efforts to protect victims of human trafficking. With the support of our METRO Team and the U.S. Marshals Task Force, we were able to locate and arrest a dangerous offender who tried to evade justice," said Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez. "Their collaboration ensures that those who exploit the vulnerable are brought to answer for their crimes.”

The investigation began in mid-August, when Riverside Vice Unit Detectives learned of reports of a girl being advertised online for commercial sex in August, Officer Ryan Railsback said in a recent news release.

"The victim was believed to have engaged in prostitution in Riverside and Los Angeles counties, as well as in Arizona," he said.

Investigators went to work over the next several months, as vice detectives followed leads that ultimately identified Deidrick Dayvon Bradford as a human trafficking suspect.

On Oct. 14, Bradford was found in Phoenix and taken into custody by detectives with the assistance of METRO Team investigators and U.S.Marshals Service personnel, Railsback said. He was booked on multiple felony charges, including human trafficking of a minor, pimping, and suspicion of possession of child pornography.

On Oct. 24, Bradford was extradited to Riverside County, where he was being held at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio. He is being held in lieu of $85,000 bail and was slated for his next court appearance on Thursday at the Riverside Hall of Justice, according to jail records.

Still, officers believe there may be more victims out there.

Bradford, a known sex offender in violation, was convicted of pimping a minor under the age of 16 years old in 2015. He was released that same year and placed in the Megan's Law sex offender database. He last registered as a sex offender in 2021. Most recently lived in Rosamond, Calif., in Kern County, north of Los Angeles.

The victim's name was withheld.

Anyone with information about the case was urged to contact the Vice Unit at RPDVice@RiversideCA.gov or by phone at 951-353-7614. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can submit information through the RPD ''Atlas 1'' mobile app using the secure ''Send a Message'' feature, available for both Apple and Android devices.