7 arrested in human trafficking sting

DOWNEY — Seven people were arrested in a human trafficking operation conducted by the Downey Police Department, authorities announced.

The arrests were made April 18 after a cyber-based operation by Downey Police in collaboration with the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Taskforce, headed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Two men were arrested for soliciting undercover officers for various sex acts; three men were arrested for pimping and pandering, a felony; and two women were arrested on prostitution charges after soliciting sex for money from undercover detectives.

The women were offered victim-centered services from the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking.

Downey Police also announced the formation of a human trafficking unit comprised of investigators specially trained to identify, investigate, and apprehend those involved with the criminal exploitation of vulnerable victims.

The unit will partner with county and local law enforcement agencies, as well as social service and community-based organizations that assist victims of human trafficking.

“The Downey Police Department recognizes sex trafficking as one of the most reprehensible crimes that can happen anywhere,” the department said in a statement.

Anyone with information regarding suspected human trafficking is encouraged to call Downey Police at (562) 904-2308 or Sgt. Michael Parino at (562) 2388.