Contra Costa Task Force Makes 2 Human Trafficking Arrests, Investigates 4 More Cases

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — As part of a nationwide effort called Operation Cross Country, Contra Costa County law enforcement and local FBI and Homeland Security personnel conducted three separate anti-human trafficking operations July 19-July 30 throughout Contra Costa County.

Their joint efforts led to the identification of nine human trafficking survivors, including one juvenile victim, and the arrests of a 33-year-old Sacramento man and a 24-year-old Oakland man.

The victims met with specialized human trafficking victim advocates immediately upon contact and were offered a range of services and support.

As of Wednesday, the FBI and task force partners were still investigating four additional cases in Contra Costa County.

“These outcomes demonstrate the positive results that can be achieved from collaboration between law enforcement and community partners to address the harm caused by human trafficking and deliver justice to victims,” District Attorney Diana Becton said.

Participating agencies included the Concord, Hercules, Pleasant Hill, Pittsburg and Richmond police departments, as well as the FBI, Homeland Security, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, the Contra Costa DA’s Office, Contra Costa Probation Department, Community Violence Solutions, International Rescue Committee and Northern California Regional Intelligence Center.

The two suspects were arrested or cited on suspicion of one or more of the following human trafficking or human trafficking-related offenses: sex trafficking of a minor, supervising, aiding, or recruiting a prostitute, and violating a protective order.

The ongoing investigations in these cases center on these charges as well as pimping, pandering, and adult trafficking.

“The partnership among Contra Costa’s task force members in combatting human trafficking ensures a coordinated, trauma-informed response focused on our shared goals of empowering and providing comprehensive services and support to victims,” said Cynthia Peterson, task force co-chair and executive director of Community Violence Solutions, a community-based 24-hour service provider for survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking.

Anyone with information on suspected human trafficking — sex or labor — or related crimes is encouraged to make a report to their local law enforcement agency or the District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Tip Line at 925-957-8658.