Operation Summer Rescue yields 286 arrests and 10 rescues NR16253jh

Los Angeles: Human trafficking continues to plague our society and victimize our youth. The Los Angeles Police Department remains vigilant and dedicated to fighting this crime. The Detective Support and Vice Division, Human Trafficking Unit (HTU), has coordinated efforts with multiple entities and continues its efforts with its most recent “Operation Summer Rescue.”

In partnership with the department’s Internet Crimes Against Children and geographic vice units, the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation Innocence Lost Task Force, Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and Los Angeles County Probation Department coordinated an operation that focused on the rescue and recovery of commercially sexually exploited children. The three night operation took place throughout the City and County of Los Angeles beginning August 10, 2016, and concluded in the early morning hours of August 13, 2016.

As a result of the large number of resources working during the operational period, the efforts yielded 286 arrests, 153 for prostitution and 133 for various offenses. Most notable were the 8 minors and 2 adults rescued who were being trafficked for the purposes of commercial sex acts. The recovered minors were placed in protective custody and have received assistance from the Department of Children and Family Services. Non-governmental agencies, such as Saving Innocence and the Dream Center, were also on-hand to provide resources to victims.

Operation Summer Rescue was extremely successful due to the cooperation and efforts of all of our partners. The significant number of arrests sends a clear message to the community that Human Trafficking is not tolerated.

Anyone with information on this crime or any other crimes related to Human Trafficking, Pimping, and Pandering are asked to contact the Los Angeles Police Department, Human Trafficking Unit at (800) 655-4095. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.