Attorney General Bonta, Law Enforcement Partners Announce 27 Arrests in Undercover Human Trafficking Operation Targeting Sex Buyers

SACRAMENTO – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the arrests of 27 individuals for allegedly soliciting prostitution as part of an undercover sting operation targeting sex buyers. On March 22, 2024, the Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Team, along with Homeland Security Investigations, assisted the Sacramento Sheriff's Office with an operation to identify and arrest sex buyers for soliciting prostitution in the "north blade" in the city of Sacramento. The term, "blade" is used in sex work to describe an area where sex workers commonly congregate to meet sex buyers.

“Human trafficking and sexual exploitation destroy lives,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “We’re fighting to hold perpetrators accountable, help survivors get a fresh start, and uplift vulnerable Californians. When we work together, we get results, and we are thankful for our partnership with Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. At the California Department of Justice, we’re always ready to answer the call when it comes to standing up for public safety.”

The operation involved undercover deputies who would be contacted by potential sex buyers. Once the sex buyer went to the designated meetup location, they were stopped by a marked unit and arrested. In total, the operation resulted in 27 arrests for soliciting prostitution. All sex buyers were booked at the Sacramento County Jail.

If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in any activity and cannot leave, you can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to access help and services. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. Additional information and resources to support survivors of human trafficking are available here.