Riverside County authorities recently identified over 50 missing children and successfully rescued 37 of them during a week-long operation targeting human trafficking, according to Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.
Operation Safe Return
The operation, dubbed “Safe Return,” located teenagers between the ages of 14 and 17 not only within Riverside County, but also in Northern California, Nevada and Arizona. Sheriff Bianco stated that 37 of these children were safely brought home.
How Trafficking Operates in Riverside County
Bianco explained that human trafficking in Riverside County often occurs “through hotels events and apps online.” The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reported that some of the rescued teens were victims of child sex trafficking and sex assault.
The successful return of the 37 children was made possible through these collaborative efforts. Bianco emphasized that “All of the kids had something to do with Riverside County.”
Arrests and Public Assistance
The operation resulted in seven arrests, including one individual apprehended by Homeland Security investigators on allegations of child sex trafficking. Bianco, who is running for California governor in November, highlighted the importance of public assistance in combating human trafficking.
“We aim for license plate numbers, descriptions and pictures. And we follow up on every lead because you never know what we are going to find,” Bianco said.
Individuals who believe they may be victims of human trafficking in Riverside County are encouraged to contact RCAHT at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What age range were the rescued teens?
The rescued teens were between the ages of 14 and 17.
Where were the teens located?
Teens were located in Riverside County, as well as Northern California, Nevada, and Arizona.
How many arrests were made during the operation?
Seven arrests were made during the operation, including one by Homeland Security investigators.
As law enforcement continues to address human trafficking, future operations could focus on expanding collaborative efforts and utilizing public intelligence to identify and rescue more victims. It is also possible that investigations stemming from the seven arrests could reveal further details about trafficking networks operating in the region.
