3 Teen Sex Trafficking Victims Rescued In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA — Long Beach law enforcement rescued three underage human trafficking victims and arrested a 37-year-old man in two unrelated investigations, the Long Beach Police Department announced.

Officers patrolling north Long Beach on Jan 15 saw a teen girl, later determined to be 14-years-old, who appeared to be soliciting for commercial sex work. The officers took the girl in and determined she was a victim of human trafficking.

On Jan. 20, LBPD officers conducting a traffic stop on a vehicle that had a man and two teen girls inside, who were later discovered to be 16 and 17-years-old. During the course of the investigation, the LBPD found that the man was on active parole for pimping and a weapons violation.

LBPD officers determined both girls were victims of human trafficking and suspected that the man, identified as 37-year-old Huston Hughes, had sexually battered one of the girls while in the car.

Hughes was arrested and booked on suspicion of sexual battery with a prior felony conviction and a parole violation.

All three girls were reunited with their families.

“I want to commend our officers for their service to our community, and for their exceptional work in addressing community safety concerns and rescuing these vulnerable individuals,” said Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. “Their efforts in investigating these cases and preventing further exploitation demonstrates the Long Beach Police Department’s commitment to keeping our city safe.”

Anyone who may have additional information about these investigations is urged to call the LBPD's Vice Investigation Detail at 562-570-7219. To submit an anonymous tip, call 800-222-8477 or visit LACrimeStoppers.org.