Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in collaboration with the Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force (Sac HTTF), has announced the arrest of 11 individuals for allegedly attempting to contact minors for sex and other related offenses. These arrests stem from a joint effort between state and local law enforcement agencies and have been forwarded to the Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office for potential prosecution.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the state's commitment to combating child sexual abuse: "I have a simple message for all those who target children for sex online: If you go after children in California, we’ll go after you," he stated. He also expressed gratitude towards partners dedicated to public safety, adding, "When we work together, we get results."

Sacramento Police Chief Kathy Lester highlighted the importance of partnerships in tackling human trafficking: "The Sacramento Police Department stands unwavering in the fight against human trafficking... By working alongside our local, state, and federal partners, we are attacking this crisis from every angle."

Bryan Bishop, Deputy Chief of the Office of Correctional Safety at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), reiterated CDCR's role in holding traffickers accountable: “CDCR is proud to be part of this task force... CDCR is committed to using its expertise to hold human traffickers accountable.”

During the operation conducted earlier this month across Stanislaus County, law enforcement personnel posed as minors on various websites. Suspects allegedly used explicit language and sent graphic photos to undercover officers. Once suspects attempted to meet with what they believed were minors, they were arrested at predetermined locations.

The sting involved several agencies including Sac HTTF, Turlock Police Department, Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office, and CDCR. The charges against suspects include lewd conduct with a minor, contact with minor sex acts, intent to commit sex acts with a minor, sending harmful matter to a minor, manufacturing child pornography, and possession of child pornography.

Child sexual abuse remains a critical public safety issue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it includes situations where children cannot consent or are not developmentally prepared for sexual activity. Online enticement is an increasing problem where perpetrators groom children via internet platforms like social media or messaging apps.

Research indicates that many instances of child sexual abuse go unreported or underreported. Studies suggest that about 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys experience such abuse in the United States. Most perpetrators are known or trusted by victims or their families. The effects can have long-lasting physical and mental health consequences.

It is important to note that criminal charges remain allegations until proven guilty in court.