Sex-Trafficking Sting Nets 12 Men, 1 Woman, 1 Child In La Quinta

LA QUINTA, CA — A law enforcement sting in La Quinta aimed at snaring johns and prostitutes netted 14 arrests Thursday, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

The anti-sex-trafficking operation involved the department placing decoy advertisements on several websites commonly used for soliciting prostitution, the sheriff's department reported. Members of the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force and the La Quinta Special Enforcement Team then responded to prospective johns who replied to the ads. The team members negotiated prices and locations for "sex acts" and the johns were arrested when they showed up at the agreed-upon meeting spot, according to the department.

In total, 12 adult johns were taken into custody. One woman was also arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor prostitution. All but one of the arrestees were Coachella Valley residents.

One minor male was also arrested during the sting.

All of the adults were booked and released from the county jail in Indio. The minor child was released to a family member.