OPERATION: HOT SPOTS Human Trafficking Demand Focused Stings

District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert announces results of the 3rd annual “Operation: Hot Spots,” a coordinated countywide sting operation aimed at reducing the demand side of human trafficking by targeting sex buyers.

Community-based organizations from the Sacramento Together Against Human Trafficking coalition voiced the need to crack down on sex buyers who fund and sustain the sex trafficking trade.  In response, DA Anne Marie Schubert led the effort to organize this countywide operation, with a commitment from law enforcement to conduct operations throughout the year to reduce sex trafficking.

The District Attorney’s Office coordinated a training for law enforcement agencies with experts on human trafficking victims (adults and juveniles), suspect tactics/manipulations, trafficking investigations, and evidence collection for prosecutions as well as community resources and services available to victims of human trafficking.  Victim advocates are involved in the sting operations to assist with services.

In October and November 2019, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, Sacramento Police Department, Rancho Cordova Police Department, Folsom Police Department and Elk Grove Police Department conducted street and hotel sting operations.  The FBI, Probation Department and District Attorney investigators also participated.

The results were a total of 19 arrests, all for soliciting for prostitution.

Those convicted of soliciting another for the purpose of buying sex or agreeing to engage in an act of buying person to engage in an act of prostitution, face a maximum penalty of 180 days in county jail, will be subject to search and seizure, and may be ordered to stay away from the involved locations or known “stroll” areas.

DA Schubert states, “Sacramento Together continues to work collaboratively to fight human trafficking on many fronts, including reducing the demand side through city and countywide stings targeting sex buyers.  This coalition also continues to maximize their efforts to prevent and better serve victims of sexual and labor exploitation throughout our region.”

ABOUT SACRAMENTO TOGETHER

Sacramento Together is a coalition of more than 30 community-based organizations, law enforcement, state and local public agencies, meeting regularly and working together to combat human trafficking and exploitation in our community.  The coalition works to combat human trafficking and exploitation by working together to treat, educate and remove children and young adults from life threatening situations.  Working collaboratively, the coalition coordinates and maximizes community response efforts as well as all of our regional assets to better serve victims of sexual and labor exploitation.  The collaboration also increases public awareness about human trafficking.  For more information, visit http://sacramentotogether.org/.

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