BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — Two suspects were arrested Tuesday in a multi-agency operation targeting sex trafficking in Bakersfield, named “Operation Relentless Justice,” according to police.
Jesus Daniel Keith Hendrix, 36, faces charges of pimping, pandering, possession of methamphetamine, and resisting arrest with violence. During his arrest, Hendrix allegedly assaulted a Bakersfield police officer, who sustained a minor head wound and was treated and released.
Jasmine Villalobos, 20, is charged with human trafficking of a minor and an outstanding warrant for violation of probation. Both suspects were booked into the Kern County Jail.
Undercover agents arrested the suspects.
BPD said law enforcement collaborated to identify the suspects who allegedly forced the victims to participate in the illicit sex trade. Two of the victims have been identified in the operation. They were provided services by the Open Door Network and Kern County Child Protective Services, said police.
Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Terry stated, “These types of crimes often hide in plain sight. We will continue to work with our partners to identify traffickers, support survivors, and hold offenders accountable.”
The operation involved collaboration with the Kern County Sheriff’s Office, Kern County Probation Department, Kern County Child Protective Services, The Open Door Network, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Villalobos is due to appear in court for a hearing next week, court records show.