16 Year old victim of human trafficking recovered in Pomona

On September 15, 2021 the Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking Team (SETT) responded to a call for service in the area of Holt Av and Loranne Av reference two young looking females loitering in the area possibly involved in prostitution activity.  SETT Officers located the females and observed them for several minutes.  Both girls were seen waiving at and contacting cars driven by lone male motorists in a manner consistent with someone loitering with the intent to commit prostitution.  One of the girls was also seen dancing in the street to stop traffic.  SETT Officers became concerned the girls were underage and contacted them.  One of the females was determined to be a 16 year old juvenile, while the other was found to be 19 years old.
 
The juvenile was immediately taken into protective custody and transported to the Pomona Police Station.  The adult female was arrested for violation of 653.22(a) PC – Loitering for Prostitution and was transported to the Pomona City Jail.
 
SETT initiated the First Responder Protocol (FRP) a multi-agency response team which ensures resources and services are provided for the juvenile victim.  The First Responder Protocol is an agreement between the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, Probation, and local law enforcement all of whom work in cooperation to provide a victim-centered approach to juvenile victims of human trafficking.  The victim was released to the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services.  This investigation is on-going.
 
This is the 20th juvenile victim of human trafficking recovered in 2021.
 
The Pomona Police Department takes a proactive approach to combating human trafficking and utilizes the assistance of other agencies to provide a victim-centered approach.  The Pomona Police Department Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking Team (SETT) conducts enforcement and investigates cases of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. Investigators believe there are other unidentified victims related to this case and urge anyone with information related to this investigation 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).  Information can also be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or via text message to 233733.
 
Prepared by:
Sgt. Brad Paulson