Murrieta Police and RCAHT Task Force Conduct Anti-Human Trafficking Operation
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The Murrieta Police Department, in collaboration with the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking (RCAHT) Task Force, conducted an enforcement operation Thursday, July 25, aimed at addressing online prostitution and patronage. This operation is part of an ongoing effort to combat the underground economy driven by the demand for illegal activities in California. The primary objectives were to rescue victims of sexual exploitation, apprehend their traffickers, and reduce demand for these services.
During the operation, authorities identified one female victim of human trafficking who accepted outreach and diversion services. Additionally, 12 males and one female were arrested for solicitation of prostitution. The individuals arrested were:
– Shawn Coyle, 50, of Temecula
– Edward Taamilo, 21, of Murrieta
– Jose Rosiles-Rivera, 38, of Lake Elsinore
– Christopher Soto-Perez, 28, of Perris
– Andres Martinjuan, 22, of Menifee
– Jaime Garcia, 31, of Menifee
– Darwin Ramos, 51, of Temecula
– Omid Seraj, 43, of Chino Hills
– Caleb Macintosh, 39, of Montclair
– Jonathan Kwawegen, 39, of Temecula
– Khayrii Joynerdew, 26, of San Diego
– Keith Keliikoa, 32, of Moreno Valley
– Mahogany Armstrong, 21, of Long Beach
The operation underscores that prostitution is not a victimless crime. Human trafficking, which is the second largest criminal enterprise globally, predominantly affects women and children, who make up 95 percent of sex trafficking victims. These individuals often have histories of emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse, with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimating that one in six endangered runaways are likely victims of sex trafficking. Victims of sex trafficking frequently endure severe abuse from their traffickers and those who solicit them.
The RCAHT Task Force is dedicated to dismantling sex trafficking operations within Riverside County. The Murrieta Police Department and RCAHT are committed to proactive enforcement operations to reduce demand for sex trafficking. This involves identifying and arresting those who solicit prostitution, rescuing victims, and providing them with necessary outreach and diversion services.
