TULARE COUNTY – A group of men from Visalia, Tulare, Orange Cove and Reedley have all been apprehended as a result of a sex trafficking detail.
Between Jan. 30-31, Tulare County Sheriff’s detectives, along with detectives from the Porterville Police Department, conducted a human sex trafficking detail in the Visalia area. The following men were arrested for soliciting prostitution: Edward Pena, 41, of Tulare; Fernando Martinez, 53, of Orange Cove; Roy Pearce, 43, of Visalia; Arturo Zaragoza, 43, of Visalia; and David Abundiz, 56, of Reedley.
“The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office is actively involved in the prevention of human trafficking and believes no human should be bought or sold,” stated TCSO in the announcement. “Detectives will continue to conduct these types of operations in the future for the safety and security of the people of Tulare County.”
The report from TCSO states the objective of the detail was to identify people who solicit women for sexual favors in exchange for money through escort services, and to also contact subjects who are potential victims of human trafficking and offer services and help to them.
Tulare County Human Trafficking Detectives also rescued four adult females who were victims of human trafficking.
If you, or someone you know, is a victim of Human Trafficking, please contact the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office at 559-733-6218, or Tip Now at tcso@tipnow.com or 559-725-4194. The line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can also contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
