Prostitution Sting Led By Murrieta Police Nets 12 Arrests

MURRIETA, CA — A prostitution sting led by the Murrieta Police Department, in partnership with the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Taskforce, resulted in 12 arrests this week, authorities announced.

The operation conducted Tuesday targeted online prostitution and sex buyers locally and across the state, according to Murrieta police.

“As a result of this enforcement effort, a total of 12 males were arrested for solicitation of prostitution. One male was arrested for pimping …,” the department reported.

Arrestee identities were not released.

During the operation, officers also spoke to one woman who was believed to be a human trafficking victim forced into prostitution against her will; the woman was referred to victim services while the investigation into her alleged sex trafficking continues, according to Murrieta police.

“Prostitution is not a ‘victimless’ crime,” the police department reported. “Ninety-five percent of sex trafficking victims are women or children” … with “long histories of emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse or trauma.”

Anyone with information about sex trafficking or questions is encouraged to contact Sgt. Roy Vargas or Cpl. James Tompkins at the Murrieta Police Department: 951-696-3615.