As part of a regional effort to address human trafficking and sexual exploitation, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the results of Operation Better Pathways, a joint investigation conducted by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF). The operation, which ran from August 12 through August 15, resulted in eight arrests on four felony and four misdemeanor charges. Thirteen individuals, including one minor, were recovered and offered support services.
Attorney General Bonta stated: “Human trafficking and sexual exploitation have no place in California. Through Operation Better Pathways, we’re fighting to hold perpetrators accountable and help survivors get a fresh start. I’m grateful to all of our partners on the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force for their collaboration, our collective efforts help uplift and protect vulnerable Californians. When we work together, we get results. At the California Department of Justice, we will continue to work to protect survivors and combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation wherever they occur.”
During the multi-day operation, law enforcement focused on areas in San Diego and National City known for sexual exploitation. Officers used surveillance techniques as well as undercover operations where they posed as individuals offering sex for sale in order to identify both traffickers and buyers.
Support services were provided by San Diego County Child Family Well Being along with adult and juvenile advocates who assisted those identified during the operation. All potential victims were offered access to resources.
The SDHTTF is made up of several agencies including the California Department of Justice—which also leads two regional Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Teams—alongside local police departments, federal agencies such as the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, county offices, probation departments, prosecutors’ offices, and others.
Human trafficking continues to be an issue across various industries in California such as hospitality, commercial sex work, domestic labor, construction sites, agriculture fields among migrant workers or seasonal staffers, residential care providers, as well as garment manufacturing.
The public is encouraged to report suspected cases by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or dialing 9-1-1 if there is immediate danger. More information about available resources can be found here.
