17-year-old victim of human trafficking rescued and given relief services in San Bernardino
A 17-year-old girl, who is believed to be a victim of human trafficking, has been rescued and provided services by investigators from the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force.
The Task Force is comprised of investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino City Unified School Police Department, and federal agencies.
Investigators noticed the girl trying to get the attention of male drivers passing by in the 500 Block of North G Street at around 4 p.m. on September 14th.
This area of G. Street in San Bernardino is “known for its high volume of prostitution activity,” according to the press release. Investigators believed the female was underage and approached her out of concern.
As the girl talked with female investigators, she “confirmed she was actively working as a prostitute,” according to the release. “During additional questioning, the female reluctantly admitted to being a 17 year-old, unreported runaway from Los Angeles County.”
Investigators, believing there was more to the story, detained the girl and brought her to Sheriff’s Central Station for further questioning and investigation. It was then discovered that Kern County had issued a felony warrant for the girl’s arrest.
“After being provided immediate access to services and support, the juvenile victim was transported and released into the custody of the San Bernardino County Probation Department,” continues the release. “Task Force investigators believe the juvenile is the ongoing victim of Human Trafficking/Sexual Exploitation and will continue making every effort to locate and identify the victim’s Trafficker.”
The community has an indispensable role in the fight against human trafficking. Task Force members are encouraging anyone wishing to report human trafficking information or concerns to the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force at (909) 387-8400 or humantrafficking@sbcsd.org.
Those who would like to remain anonymous can contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME or www.wetip.com.
