LAPD Trick Task Force Operation

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police officers arrested 13 persons on September 8, 2006, related to prostitution activities near Sepulveda Boulevard and Rayen Street in North Hills. The operation began around 8:00 p.m., and ended at 1:30 a.m., the next morning. Undercover female police officers posed as prostitutes on the street and arrested violators, or "Johns," who stopped and solicited them for sex. Officers also impounded the "John’s" cars, using city ordinance 41.70 LAMC that was enacted in 2005. In total nine cars were seized. The City Attorney’s Office will determine what fines will be levied against the arrestees to enable them to get their cars back. In some cases, the cars may qualify to be forfeited permanently.

Operations-Valley Bureau vice units conduct periodic prostitution task forces in areas prone to blatant, chronic prostitution and other vice activities. This a full spectrum approach to the problem that seems to be effective at reducing individuals who are prone to soliciting prostitutes in the San Fernando Valley.

The following people were arrested for 647(b) PC- Prostitution.

Name Age City of Residence
Arouchian, Harout 45 North Hills
Hernandez, Miguel 19 North Hills
Garcia, Efrain 42 North Hills
Gutierrez, Pascual 35 North Hills
Aguilar, Adrian 35 North Hills
Gonzalez, Noe 21 Van Nuys
Thomas, Dennis 50 Canyon Country
Amador, Marcus 24 Newhall
Aguilar, Fernando 26 North Hills
Castellon, Antonio 18 Panorama City
Roque, Rodrigo 35 Granada Hills
Martinez, Mario 50 North Hollywood
Castaneda, Luis 55 North Hills

Note: The arrest of any person does not imply guilt, nor does it guarantee prosecution for the charge. All arrests are referred to the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office.

Media questions on this release may be referred to Sergeant II Rob Nakamura, Officer in Charge, Mission Area Vice, 818-838-9910.