Couple Arrested For Suspected Sex Trafficking of Two Underage Girls
Above: File photos of Powell and Cheso | Courtesy of SCSO
“Yesterday, June 23, 2024, a Sacramento County Sheriff North Patrol Deputy was patrolling near Watt Avenue and Winona Way in North Highlands when he rescued a young girl who was being sex trafficked. After getting her to safety, he returned to the same area around 8 PM when he observed two younger-looking girls wearing lingerie near a vehicle. Concerned for their safety, he spoke to both 17-year-old girls and discovered they, too, were victims of sex trafficking.
Detectives from the Sheriff’s Special Investigations Bureau responded and learned the two girls were being trafficked by family friends whom they referred to as their “street parents.” Detectives located 46-year-old John Cheso and 35-year-old Shannon Powell and arrested them for felony Human Trafficking charges. Cheso is still in custody on $2 million bail and is scheduled to appear in court on June 26. Powell is still in custody on $1 million bail and is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow (June 25).
Based on their investigation, Detectives fear Cheso and Powell may have additional unreported victims and encourage anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Tips leading to an arrest are eligible for a CASH reward of up to $1000, and tipsters remain anonymous. Tips are paid in cash, and you are never asked for identification. Contact Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357), 1-800-AA-CRIME, or **TIPS. Use the “P3 TIPS” app or online at www.sacvalleycrimestoppers.com. Tip information may also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).”
