LAPD Trick Task Force Operation

Los Angeles: LAPD officers arrested 2 persons on January 12, 2007, related to prostitution activities near Canoga Avenue and Sherman Way. The operation began around 8:00 P.M., and ended at midnight. 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 one suspect’s cars, using city ordinance 41.70 LAMC, that was enacted in 2005. In total one car was seized. The City Attorney’s Office will determine what fines will be levied against the arrestee to enable him to get his car back. In some cases, the cars may qualify to be forfeited permanently.

Operation-West Valley Bureau Vice, in conjunction with personnel from Detective Support, Vice Division, North Hollywood, Mission Area Vice and Scientific Investigation Division conducted the task force. Prostitution task forces are conducted periodically in areas prone to prostitution and other vice activities.

The following people were arrested for 647(b) PC- Prostitution and processed at West Valley police station.

Name                 Age           City of Residence
Julio Gonzalez     31             Canoga Park
Thilanka Silva     33             Chatsworth

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 may be referred to Sergeant Gutierrez, Officer in Charge, West Valley Vice at 818-374-7860.