Sheriff Jim Cooper praised “Operation FAFO (fool around and find out),” saying the department would continue to target human traffickers.
“This sting sends a clear message to those involved in the illegal sex trade: We are committed to protecting our community from exploitation, especially our most vulnerable,” Cooper said in a statement Monday. “Human trafficking, especially the exploitation of minors, is a serious crime, and we will continue to work tirelessly to bring justice to victims.”
The suspects face charges related to prostitution, solicitation, and trafficking. None of the suspects named by the sheriff’s department remained in jail Tuesday.
Prostitution and solicitation are misdemeanors in California, which can result in law enforcement issuing citations to the defendants, and they can be released without having to post bail.
The sheriff’s department did not specify when the operation happened or what type of trafficking charge was considered for any of the suspects and did not return a request for information Tuesday.
Human and sex trafficking are felonies in the state, requiring defendants to post bond before being released in many California counties.
One of the videos showed deputies chasing suspects on foot, at one point tackling one in a motel parking lot. Another clip showed deputies being stopped by alleged prostitutes.
The two-day sting was part of a concentrated effort to combat human trafficking and exploitation in Sacramento County.
During the operation, officers posed as undercover buyers and sellers, identifying those involved in illegal activities.
The operation targeted people who exploit others for commercial sex, with a focus on rescuing juveniles forced into prostitution, according to the sheriff’s department.
Two juveniles—both 16 years old—were being trafficked for sex, authorities reported. The victims are now receiving care and services to help them recover and transition to a safer environment, the sheriff’s department reported.
Specialized law enforcement officers worked together during the operation, including detectives from the sheriff’s office, and officers from the Rancho Cordova Police Department, Sacramento County special enforcement detail, a sheriff’s office drone unit, California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Justice Human Trafficking Team, and victim advocate groups Drive for Impact and the Sacramento Family Justice Center.
In recent years, transnational criminal organizations and domestic gangs have expanded from drug and firearm trafficking to trafficking human beings in the United States, according to the attorney general.
The U.S. Department of State estimates that 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked into the country every year.
