A major human trafficking operation in Placer County resulted in nearly two dozen men busted for alleged sex solicitation, drug possession and more.
Undercover agents with the Placer County Sheriff’s Office Operations Unit conducted a two-day sting where they contacted sex buyers throughout the county. The operation busted 21 men cited for soliciting prostitution, the sheriff’s office said.
During the sting, agents contacted individuals who were “attempting to purchase sex, sometimes referred to as ‘johns.’”
Four of the would-be sex buyers were also cited for drug possession, the sheriff’s office said.
Authorities said one of the men was found to be carrying a concealed, loaded firearm without a permit. He will face additional charges.
Video from the operation showed agents chasing after suspects and other clips of men being handcuffed.
“Human trafficking is complex, and there is no single approach to addressing it,” the sheriff’s office said.
“In Placer County, law enforcement and our community partners work from several different angles, including identifying and supporting survivors, investigating traffickers and addressing the factors that can contribute to exploitation.”
Representatives with Stand Up Placer, a nonprofit organization that helps survivors of sexual assault and human trafficking, and agents spoke with cited individuals “about the impact their actions can have and the connection between the purchase of sex and human trafficking,” according to the sheriff’s office.
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Authorities said much of the trafficking they see in the county involves solicitation through dating apps and online.
Stand Up Placer offers a confidential webchat for survivors and victims of human trafficking, sexual assault and domestic violence.
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