Photo: Rodrigo Baez Solis and Joan Ramos
“Operation Second Chance” took place on February 9th as part of Tulare County Sheriff’s Office continued fight against human trafficking. The operation was twofold.
One part was searching the dark web for victims of human trafficking. As a result, two adult female victims were located and provided with help from Tulare County Family Services. It is believed at least one of the women was being trafficked for sex by the use of fear and/or coercion.
Rodarte and Raygota
The second part of the undercover operation involved posting fake advertisements on known solicitation websites. Almost 40 men responded to the fake ads. The operation netted four arrests. Rodrigo Baez Solis and Joan Ramos of Porterville and Christopher Rodarte of Visalia were arrested and charged for solicitation. Francisco Cruz Raygoza of Visalia faces charges for pimping.
Many departments worked with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office to execute this undercover operation including Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Visalia Police Department, Tulare County Human Trafficking Task Force, and investigators of the Tulare County DA’s Office.
The fight to end human trafficking is ongoing. If you suspect human trafficking you can contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at 559-733-6218. Anonymous reports can be communicated locally at 559-725-4194 or by contacting the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-539-2373.
Photos from TCSO
