OAKLAND — A Richmond woman has been charged with human trafficking of a minor after two girls, aged 15 and 17, identified her as a woman who was coercing them into sex work along with a still-unidentified man, according to court records.
Monica Jackson, 38, was charged with human trafficking, pimping a minor, and pandering, as part of a five-count felony complaint. She pleaded not guilty on Friday and has been released from jail while the case is pending, court records show.
Police say that on June 4, a 17-year-old girl called police from a section of 16th Avenue in Oakland that is known for prostitution, and reported that she was being trafficked and needed help. Investigators identified her and a 15-year-old girl as victims of the same pimp. While they were interviewing both girls, Jackson allegedly showed up and spoke with police.
Jackson “admitted involvement … but insisted that she thought (both girls) were just 19 years old,” police said in court filings. Authorities believe Jackson was assisting a man, but he has not been identified or charged, court records show.