Dozens of sex workers busted during San Diego Comic-Con in sting operation

A major sting operation conducted in San Diego during Comic Con weekend has resulted in dozens of arrests for alleged sex solicitation.

Undercover agents with the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF) initiated contact with sex buyers throughout the county, resulting in 27 arrests for “solicitation, loitering for purposes of solicitation, or other related offenses” during a three-day operation, according to a press release from the California Department of Justice.

“When you get a large crowd together, you’re bringing more people, potentially more buyers into a specific area,” Christopher Rice, commander of the task force, told The California Post.

A sting operation conducted during San Diego’s Comic Con has resulted in dozens of arrests of alleged sex buyers and sex workers. State of California Department of Justice

Operation Iron Justice — which took place from July 22-24 — focused on stopping the demand for commercial sex services surrounding large-scale events like the annual gathering in the city for fans of comic book movies, TV, merchandise and more.

Officers also recovered seven adults, and two underage sex workers — including a 16-year-old who had been missing from San Bernardino county — all who were allegedly sex trafficking victims.

“The ugly truth is that the demand for these illegal services fuels the supply of commercial sex operations and human trafficking,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said about the operation.

Officers also recovered seven adults, and two underage sex workers — including a 16-year-old who had been missing from San Bernardino county — all who were allegedly sex trafficking victims. The San Diego Union-Tribune via Getty Images

“No matter if it’s around large-scale conventions or anywhere else, solicitation is a crime and California stands ready to hold offenders accountable,” he continued.

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Visiting convention-goers are often looking for a good time and think they can get away with hiring a prostitute while in town, investigators said. Johns often find sex workers by scouring Craigslist or classified-style hookup sites such as Megapersonals.

“A lot of times, violators think: out of town, out of sight, out of mind, but we’re combatting it every way we can,” Rice told The Post.

Operation Iron Justice took place from July 22-24 in San Diego. State of California Department of Justice

Pimps direct their victims to arrange meetings with buyers in cars, motels or homes that function as brothels. Much of the vile commerce takes place on the local “Blade” — slang for the nexus of prostitution in a given city.

San Diego’s Blade can be found on Dalbergia Street and El Cajon Boulevard, away from the convention center. But cops said human trafficking and prostitution take place near the convention, too.  

U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said Operation Iron Justice highlights the coordinated work of local, state and federal agencies to combat sex trafficking, adding that federal prosecutors are prepared to pursue charges carrying mandatory minimum prison sentences of 10 to 15 years against traffickers.

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, said this operation makes it crystal clear “human beings are not for sale.”

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, said this operation makes it crystal clear “human beings are not for sale.” SIDEO

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“The arrest of 27 sex buyers during this large-scale gathering sends a clear message that purchasing sex is not a victimless crime, it drives an illicit industry that generates more than $810 million a year in San Diego County and profits from exploitation of children and adults,” Stephan addded.

The issue has remained a persistent issue through the area.

San Diego City Attorney Heather Ferbert revealed her office has filed 81 cases against alleged sex buyers so far this year under a state law that targets purchasers directly.

“The ugly truth is that the demand for these illegal services fuels the supply of commercial sex operations and human trafficking,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said about the operation. SIDEO

Authorities said the suspected buyers were taken into custody and transported to the jail where they were booked. SIDEO

The DOJ said events like Comic Con, which drew more than 130,000 people this year to the area, provide the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about human trafficking.

“Solicitation is a crime subject to jail time and monetary penalties because the demand for commercial sex is a driving force that contributes to human trafficking, as human traffickers profit from forced or coerced commercial sex work,” the release said.

The suspected buyers were taken into custody and transported to the jail where they were booked.

The potential victims and survivors were offered access to resources and supportive services, per the release.

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