In response to tips from various neighborhoods and community groups regarding the public display of solicitation for sexual acts, the Pomona Police Department’s Major Crimes Task Force joined forces with local and federal agencies to nab the offenders. In a joint effort, the Pomona Police Department conducted a three day operation from July 28, 2015, through July 30, 2015, targeting the exploitation of prostitution in the City of Pomona. With the help from the AB109 San Gabriel Valley East Task Force, Arcadia Police Department, Claremont Police Department, San Bernardino Police Department, West Covina Police Department, and the FBI’s Innocence Lost Task Force, the three day operation yielded a total of 49 arrests. Each day during the three part operation focused on separate areas of the prostitution trade.
On July 28, 2015, undercover officers posed as prostitutes along the East Holt Avenue corridor soliciting Johns to engage in sexual acts. Among the suspects arrested were various customers from all walks of life.
Johns Arrested:
Luis Lopez, 19 year old, Ontario resident
Francisco Monterroza, 57 year old, Fontana resident
Anthony Clay, 56 year old, Covina resident
Marin Hernandez, 37 year old, Pomona resident
Felipe Chaverria, 37 year old, Perris resident
Quirino Meneces, 27 year old, Montclair resident
Christopher Rivera, 22 year old, Pomona resident
Rogelio Navarro, 37 year old, Chino resident
Diego Mendez, 25 year old, Ontario resident
Anthony Grimo, 48 year old, San Dimas resident
Estaban Horne, 34 year old, Pomona resident
Albert Mccaskill, 64 year old, Montclair resident
Bernardo Saldivar, 37 year old, Chino resident
Luis Merino, 36 year old, Pomona resident
Miguel Soto, 48 year old, Azusa resident
Davon Dickens, 18 year old, Pomona resident
Everardo Herrera, 52 year old, Mira Loma resident
Christopher Carrasco, 27 year old, Pomona resident
Alfredo Torres, 19 year old, Pomona resident
Luis Sandoval, 40 year old, Baldwin Park resident
Heriberto Munoz, 22 year old, Ontario resident
Keith Oh, 65 year old, Pomona resident
Manoj Nanayakkara, 46 year old, San Dimas resident
Coupled with the arrests, came the seizure of several thousand dollars of U.S. currency and several vehicle impounds. A total of $4,690.00 was seized as evidence from the Johns soliciting sexual favors.
On July 29, 2015, officers posed as Johns and pursued prostitutes soliciting sex acts. Once again, the focus was on the East Holt Avenue corridor, an area that has a reputation for street walkers to loiter for solicitation of sex acts. The East Holt Avenue corridor has traditionally been known as “The Track” however, attempts by police to derail “The Track” has earned it a new street name, “The Blade.” A total of nineteen female prostitutes were arrested on “The Blade” during day two.
Although these prostitutes were arrested, the Pomona Police Department has taken a proactive approach by providing resources to help individuals get the help they need to remove themselves from their lifestyles. As law enforcement becomes more exposed to the reality that human trafficking exist domestically, local agencies are finding ways to provide the help needed to escape the culture of the money for sex trade. The Los Angeles County Dream Center assisted the Pomona Police Department by providing victim’s assistance advocates to help the arrestees. In addition, representatives from the Department of Children and Family Services also joined-in on the operation to provide services to any arrestees with children.
On July 30, 2015, officers set-up and operated an internet based sex advertisement sting at a local motel. The sting resulted in the arrest of five females and two males after they responded to ads on the internet that officers posted to trade money for sex. Undercover officers awaited as each suspect responded to a prearranged motel room only to realize that they were walking into an undercover operation.
The Pomona Police Department continues to improve the quality of life issues in Pomona by conducting such operations. It is encouraged that the citizens of Pomona continue to provide tips and information to the police in order to support these types of details.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or similar incidents is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Written by:
Cpl. M. Medellin
Pomona Police Department
909-620-2156
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