Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has announced the arrests and filing of felony charges against four individuals in connection with an alleged brothel operation in Sacramento County. The charges include operating two residential brothels, money laundering, conspiracy, and tax evasion. During the operation, six survivors were provided with resources and services.

The investigation was led by special agents from the California Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Team and White-Collar Investigation Team. The Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, along with other federal and state agencies such as the Bureau of Gambling Control, United States Department of State, United States Department of Homeland Security, Sacramento County Code Enforcement, California Franchise Tax Board, and Employment Development Department through the TRUE Task Force also contributed to the effort.

Attorney General Bonta stated, “Every single day, our dedicated prosecutors and special agents strive to protect the most vulnerable Californians from exploitation. This case is an example of the California Department of Justice’s continued dedication to dismantling these criminal networks and standing with survivors on their path to recovery and justice.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration among various law enforcement partners in achieving this outcome.

HSI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Tatum King added, “By working closely with our law enforcement partners, we have taken down a dangerous operation that exploited individuals to simply line their pockets. HSI is committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions and dismantling criminal networks that prey on vulnerable populations.”

The suspects are accused of running two residential brothels from April 2022 until February 13, 2025. They allegedly recruited women for commercial sex at these locations and promoted prostitution services online while collecting payments from clients.

The DOJ's Special Prosecutions Section will handle prosecution. Charges against the suspects include conspiracy, pimping, pandering, money laundering, tax evasion, mortgage fraud, and criminal profiteering. Arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday, February 18 before the Sacramento County Superior Court.

It is important to note that all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

A copy of the complaint can be found here.