BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — The Bakersfield Police Department reported the arrest of 17 individuals, including suspected human traffickers and buyers, commonly referred to as “Johns,” during three operations as part of the state-wide multi-agency initiative known as “Operation Reclaim and Rebuild.”
Vice detectives rescued a 17-year-old human trafficking victim. They were offered services and resources.
Jan 27, 2026: Detectives conducted a “Demand Reduction” operation, which focused on sex buyers in the Union Avenue corridor.
The following were arrested and released on a citation or were booked into jail:
Nedumpanamoolayil Dev Asia, 82 – Cited for loitering to purchase commercial sexJose Aceves-Navarro, 45 – Cited for loitering to purchase commercial sexLuis Enrique Velazquez-Orozco, 35 – Cited for loitering to purchase commercial sexLeon Denweed, 55 – Arrested and booked for soliciting a minor for prostitutionJoseph Svetlik, 49 – Cited for loitering to purchase commercial sex
Jan. 28, 2026: Detectives conducted a “Out Call” operation at a local hotel to identify sex trafficking victims and possible sex traffickers.
The following suspects were arrested and booked into jail:
Roger Terres, 45 – Booked for pandering, possession of a prohibited weapon, and possession of drug paraphernaliaMildred Castro, 32 – Booked for engaging in prostitutionBrandon Walker, 54- Booked for panderingLaShawn Hill, 26 – Booked for engaging in prostitution, false identification to a peace officer, and an outstanding arrest warrant
Jan. 30, 2026: Detectives conducted a “John Sting” in the Union Avenue corridor.
The following suspects were arrested and released on a citation or were booked into jail:
Jesus Alcala, 46 – Cited for soliciting a prostitute and loitering to purchase commercial sexMarvin Sales, 23 – Cited for loitering to purchase commercial sexAlfredo Perez, 53 – Cited for soliciting a prostitute and loitering to purchase commercial sexJoel Carreno, 32 – Cited for soliciting a prostitute and loitering to purchase commercial sexJulio Zornoza, 32 – Cited for soliciting a prostitute and loitering to purchase commercial sexJose Gonzalez, 68 – Cited for soliciting a prostitute and loitering to purchase commercial sexKaylin Smith, 27 – Booked for pandering and loitering to purchase commercial sexIsaac Newton, 20 – For soliciting a prostitute and loitering to purchase commercial sexComment with Bubbles
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The state-wide operations saw over 600 arrests from Jan. 25-31 from over 80 California law enforcement agencies, said BPD.
Bakersfield Police’s Organized Crime/Vice detail was assisted by the FBI, the Department of Homeland Security, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, and the Kern County Probation Department.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, contact your local law enforcement agency immediately.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline can be reached at (888) 373-7888, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Help is available in English and Spanish.