The task force, which included Southern California law enforcement agencies, netted 150 arrests nationwide and rescued more than 100 victims.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, whose district includes Diamond Bar, today lauded the arrest of 150 suspects allegedly involved in child sex trafficking.
The FBI today announced the recent arrests, which involved raids in 76 cities nationwide, including some in Los Angeles, Orange, and Riverside counties. More than 100 victims were rescued during the operation.
Knabe called child sex trafficking "a horrific and sickening crime" and said that girls as young as 12 are being forced into prostitution.
"The rescue of 105 child sex trafficking victims last week is eye-opening to the public, many of whom believe this is an issue happening only in foreign countries," Knabe said in a statement. "In fact, Los Angeles County is recognized as one of the largest hubs for sex trafficking in the nation."
Laura Eimiller, an FBI spokeswoman, said that in Southern California, two minors, ages 15 and 16, were rescued during the raids. Four suspected pimps were arrested, she said in a news release.
Knabe said in the past 18 months, Los Angeles County has pushed to become a national leader in the effort to prevent the sexual exploitation of children. The county has an active campaign to raise awareness about the issue and the supervisors have supported legislation for tougher penalties for gang members convicted of human sex trafficking.
"I commend the FBI and all the local agencies who were involved in the rescue of these young victims," Knabe said. "While we have accomplished much, we must continue to focus on their safety and healing. This massive, nation-wide sweep sends a strong message to the real criminals that our County will do everything we can to protect the lives of these young girls.”
For more information on the County’s efforts, go to http://knabe.com/issues/child-sex-trafficking/
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