Pomona Police Special Investigations Unit Conducts Daytime Prostitution Operation Resulting in Six Arrests

COMMUNITY:    Pomona Police Special Investigations Unit Conducts Daytime Prostitution Operation Resulting in Six Arrests

DATE/TIME:  Tuesday, February 20, 2018

LOCATION:  Holt Avenue Corridor, Pomona, CA

CRIME:  647(b) PC – Prostitution
653.22(a)(1) PC – Loiter with Intent to Commit Prostitution

VICTIM:  State of California

SUSPECTS:

1. Female, Smith, Laquetta, 39, Los Angeles Resident
2. Female, Ogulu, Jessica,19, Los Angeles Resident
3. Male, Dominguez, John, 49, Fontana Resident
4. Female, Gilkey, Savon, 32, Los Angeles Resident
5. Female, Brown, Kendra, 22, Tucson Resident
6. Female, Perez, Vanessa, 27, Pomona Resident

 UNIT:  Pomona Police Department – Special Investigations Unit

NARRATIVE:
On Tuesday, February 20, 2018 the PPD Special Investigations Unit, with assistance from the Major Crimes Task Force, conducted a vice operation focused on the area known as the Holt Corridor. The operation used plainclothes officers which resulted in 2 arrests for 647(b) PC – Prostitution, and 4 arrests for 653.22(a)(1) PC Loitering with Intent to Commit Prostitution.  
 
This operation was designed to impact the crime of human trafficking by targeting the supply, demand, or organizational structure of entities involved in the trafficking of human beings. In doing so, we hope to identify and rescue commercially sexually exploited victims of human trafficking throughout the State of California. In addition, the goal is also to obtain information from the victims that can be utilized to identify and apprehend other suspects responsible for their exploitation and trafficking. 
  
The Pomona Police Department takes a zero tolerance approach to human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
 
The operation was a success and similar operations are scheduled to take place in the future.
 
The “Holt Corridor” encompasses a major thoroughfare in the City of Pomona.  It is nationally known as a track/blade where individuals can negotiate sexual acts in exchange for currency. These crimes are detrimental to the safety and well being of the citizens and business owners of Pomona.  The goal of the operation was to target prostitution related crimes and focus attention on the entire Holt Corridor with a priority placed on recovering juveniles, arresting prostitutes and arresting johns. The Pomona Police Department continues to pursue the identification and prosecution of human traffickers (pimps) who facilitate the prostitution activity along the Holt Corridor.
 
The operation was conducted in response to numerous complaints received from residents and local business owners. The Pomona Police Department is taking a proactive approach to improving the quality of life by addressing and deterring human trafficking and prostitution activities along the Holt Ave corridor.
 
The Pomona Police Department takes a proactive approach to combating human trafficking.  Anyone with information regarding Human Trafficking or the above articulated investigations 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:
Sgt. Iain Miller
Pomona Police Department
Special Investigations Unit