Police arrested 121 people and connected 41 victims of sex trafficking with support services during a 16-day enforcement operation in January aimed at disrupting buyer-driven activity along Stockton Boulevard in Sacramento.
The Sacramento Police Department conducted “Operation Buyer’s Remorse” in partnership with the Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force. The regional task force includes the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office.
The January operation was part of an ongoing strategy to identify suspected traffickers, reduce demand and connect victims with resources, police officials said Thursday in a news release announcing the results.
“In Sacramento County, we have made it clear that traffickers — especially those who exploit children — will be held accountable,” Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho said in Thursday’s news release. “Through the Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force — our office takes a comprehensive and coordinated approach to protecting victims, disrupting the buyer-driven exploitation of victims and dismantling trafficking operations in our community.”
Along with the 121 arrests, authorities identified nine suspected sex traffickers and conducted 220 proactive contacts as part of the investigation. Police said 41 victims were referred to advocacy organizations for support services.
The advocacy organizations include Community Against Sexual Harm, the Family Justice Center, 3Strands Global Foundation and My Sister’s House. Police said these groups provided critical support to victims throughout the operation. The Stockton Boulevard Partnership also assisted with ongoing community efforts.
The regional task force also includes the California Department of Justice, along with other local, state, and federal agencies.
“This operation proves that my office is all in when it comes to taking a stand against the demand for sex trafficking by holding perpetrators of human trafficking accountable and supporting survivors along the way,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in the news release. “It is vital that we carry out our goal in a manner that is trauma-informed and culturally competent… I am thankful for these strong Sacramento partnerships and look forward to all that we can accomplish when we work together.”
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Rosalio Ahumada writes breaking news stories related to crime and public safety for The Sacramento Bee. He speaks Spanish fluently and has worked as a news reporter in the Central Valley since 2004.