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Undercover Sting at Comic Con Nets 14 Arrests for Sex Trafficking
10 Victims Rescued, Including a 16-Year-Old; Operation Highlights Growing Human Trafficking Concerns
According to UPI, an undercover sex-trafficking raid during this year’s Comic Con event resulted in 14 arrests. The operation which was conducted from July 25 to July 27 was a component of a bigger initiative to stop human trafficking. The sting was executed by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force in collaboration with the California Attorney General’s office. Ten possible victims including a 16-year-old girl were rescued according to Attorney General Rob Bonta. It is a misdemeanor in California to solicit sex and those who are arrested are charged with it. For a first offense, this can lead to a fine or up to six months in jail. Bonta said the arrests show that such crimes will not be tolerated and praised the teamwork of the law enforcement agencies involved. The task force includes the FBI, the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). San Diego is ranked 13th for human trafficking among large U.S. cities. Comic Con, which focuses on comics, media, and pop culture, had around 135,000 visitors this year. Bonta noted that big events like Comic Con can be targeted by traffickers looking to exploit people.
READ ALSO: Mother Sentenced to 35-60 Years in Prison for Killing 3-Year-Old Blind Son in Detroit-Systemic Failures Exposed!
14 Arrests, 10 Victims Rescued, Including Teenager, in San Diego Operation: Comic-Con Trafficking Bust! (PHOTO: AOL.com)
Comic Con Organizers Respond to Arrests; Actor Hector David Rivera Wanted for Assault
Undercover officers acted as buyers to find and help victims during the event. Comic Con organizers called the arrests “very disturbing” but said they happened outside the convention and that they had no prior knowledge of the operation. They assured they work with law enforcement year-round and are ready to help as needed. Separately actor Hector David Rivera known for his role in “Power Rangers” is being sought in Idaho. He is wanted for allegedly assaulting a man in his 60s and was scheduled to attend the Magic Valley Comic Con in Twin Falls. Undercover officers acted as buyers to find and help victims during the event. Comic Con organizers called the arrests “very disturbing” but said they happened outside the convention and that they had no prior knowledge of the operation. They assured they work with law enforcement year-round and are ready to help as needed. Separately actor Hector David Rivera known for his role in “Power Rangers” is being sought in Idaho. He is wanted for allegedly assaulting a man in his 60s and was scheduled to attend the Magic Valley Comic Con in Twin Falls.
READ ALSO: Man Charged with Murder of Pregnant Girlfriend in Lynn, Massachusetts; Brother Arrested for Earlier Assault!
