POMONA – When the Pomona Police Department Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking Team (SETT) conducted enforcement along East Holt Avenue – in the area commonly known for prostitution activity – they observed a young-looking female wearing revealing clothing. They approached the area of Holt Ave. and Clark Ave., at approximately 2:00 PM on 08/10/2021 – in the area known as The Blade.
SETT Officers observed the scantily-clad subject approach vehicles occupied by lone male drivers. The youthful party was dressed in clothing revealing her buttocks and breasts.
Several minutes went by, until it was determined that her actions confirmed her allegedly loitering for prostitution. Officers made contact – to discover that the girl was 17.
She was immediately taken into protective custody, for transport to Pomona PD. This event marks the 15th rescue of a Human-Trafficking victim in Pomona, so far, in 2021.
As a result, a multi-agency response team was initiated by SETT. The First Responder Protocol (FRP) ensured that resources and services were provided for the juvenile. Through an agreement between local law enforcement and L.A, County Dept. of Children and Family Services, and Probation – the cooperative teaming ensured a victim-centered approach for the benefit of this young victim of human trafficking.
MISSION STATEMENT: The Pomona Police Department takes a proactive approach to combating human trafficking and utilizes the assistance of other agencies to provide a victim-centered approach.
The Pomona Police Department Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking Team (SETT) conducts enforcement and investigates cases of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Investigators have reason to believe that there may be other unidentified victims related to this case. Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact the Pomona Police Department at (909) 620-2085. To provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222- TIPS (8477). Additionally, information can also be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or via text message to 233733.
