Boy Arrested For Pimping In RivCo Prostitution Sting, 15 Others Arrested: Sheriff

PERRIS, CA — A total of 16 people were arrested Thursday as part of a prostitution sting in Perris, including a boy who was booked on a charge of pimping, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The sheriff's Anti-Human Trafficking Team and the Perris station's special enforcement team conducted the sting on Thursday as part of an effort to reduce the demand for sex trafficking, arrest human traffickers and provide services to victims, the Sheriff's Department said in a release.

The operation saw the arrest of 14 men on charges of soliciting prostitution. A boy, whose age was not provided, was arrested on suspicion of pimping, evading and child endangerment, deputies said.

A woman was arrested on suspicion of child neglect and was later identified as a potential victim of sex trafficking. She was then provided services and resources, deputies said.

Those arrested included people from Perris, Menifee, Moreno Valley, Temecula, Winchester, San Bernardino, Lake Elsinore, Homeland and Lancaster.

Sheriff's officials say they seek to disrupt and dismantle sex trafficking rings operating within Riverside County and that they will aggressively identify, pursue and apprehend anyone who seeks to exploit those who are more vulnerable.

City News Service contributed to this report.