Human Trafficking Investigations Lead to Arrest and Rescues in Long Beach
Three Human Trafficking Victims Rescued, One Man Arrested
On January 15, officers patrolling the area of Long Beach Boulevard and Artesa Boulevard found a 14-year-old girl soliciting for commercial sex work. After investigation, police determined the girl to be a human trafficking victim.
Second Incident Leads to Arrest and Rescues
On January 20, a vehicle stopped in traffic by the department’s High Crime Focus Team found one man driving and two female teenagers, a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old. Upon investigation, police found the man, identified as Huston Hughes, a 37-year-old resident of Los Angeles, to be on active parole for pimping and a weapons violation. He was arrested on suspicion of having sexually battered one of the victims while in the vehicle.
Suspect Booked and Victims Released to Authorities
Hughes was booked for a parole violation and sexual battery with prior felony conviction, and held with no bail. All three alleged victims were released into the custody of the Department of Children and Family Services, who safely reconnected them with their families.
Tips and Information
Anyone with information regarding the case is urged to call the LBPD Vice Investigation Detail at 562-570-7219. Tipsters who wish to remain anonymous can call 800-222-8477 or visit lacrimestoppers.org.
Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Announces Charges
Three men have been charged with pandering involving alleged sexual exploitation along the Figueroa Corridor in Los Angeles. Derran Adkins, 27, of Paramount, is charged with one felony count each of human trafficking of a minor for a commercial sex act by force, fear, fraud or threat of injury and human trafficking of an adult, along with allegations that he personally inflicted great bodily injury during the commission of the crimes.
Conclusion
Human trafficking is a serious issue that requires the collective effort of law enforcement, social services, and communities to combat. These recent arrests and rescues in Long Beach serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and cooperation in the fight against human trafficking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is human trafficking?
A: Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit people for labor or sexual purposes.
Q: How can I report suspected human trafficking?
A: You can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888, text "BeFree" (233733), or use the online chat feature at humantraffickinghotline.org/chat.
Q: What is the National Human Trafficking Hotline?
A: The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a confidential and toll-free resource for victims of human trafficking, as well as for those who suspect someone may be a victim.
