In an effort to reduce the demand for sex trafficking in the City of Temecula, a “John” prostitution sting was conducted on Thursday, leading to 14 arrests.
Operating in an undercover capacity, law enforcement personnel placed decoy advertisements on several popular classified websites commonly used for the solicitation of online prostitution. The undercover operators communicated with prospective customers replying to their posted prostitution (decoy) advertisements.
After reaching an agreement for paid sexual acts, these “Johns” were then arrested upon their arrival at the meeting location, according to Sergeant Victor Pierson of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
During the course of the operation, one adult female was contacted who is believed to be a victim of human trafficking and possibly being forced to engage in acts of prostitution against her will, authorities said. The victim was referred to victim services for assistance.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the following 14 suspects were arrested on misdemeanor prostitution charges:
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- Daniel Welker, 39, of Winchester
- Taye Thornton, 20, of Murrieta
- Ramon Navarrete, 37, of Moreno Valley
- Ramon Munoz, 31, of Perris
- Ashley Tuazon, 40, of Winchester
- Josue Sanchez, 24, of Fontana
- Aunzae Brooks, 26, of Corona
- Zhanveazna Leng, 40, of Murrieta
- Christian Carlos, 29, of Nuevo
- Jay Dagnenica, 54, of Menifee
- Jayson Sherrill, 32, of Temecula
- Bradley Dow 45, of Apple Valley
- Eddie Embry 35, of Menifee
- Brandyn Resendiz, 20, Lake Elsinore.
All subjects arrested were booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta
The sting was conducted by members of the Southwest Station Community Outreach Resources Engagement Team (CORE), Special Enforcement Team, and Metro Team, in partnership with personnel from the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RCAHT) and Gang Task Force (GTF) Region Four.
To report human trafficking activity or tips to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline, call 888-373-7888.
