15 arrested in Merced after sex-trafficking sting, police say
MERCED, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) — A three-day sex-trafficking sting operation netted the arrest of 15 people in Merced, according to police.
Many of the victims were children who were forced into the sex trade by criminals who coerce, drug, assault, and mentally abuse them, according to authorities.
From Sep. 17 and Sep. 19, Merced Police worked with Merced County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s office, the Department of Justice, and ICE’s Homeland Security, to secure the arrests of:
Eric Washington
Dashawn Brown
Armando Carrera
Charles Chandler
Eduardo Escobar
Pedro Garcia
Arturo Murgura
Cameron Lainan
Joey Orlando
Andres Ortega
Anthony Solis
Matthew Bright
Horacio Garcia
Brittany Washington
Antoinette White
Officers say the individuals were caught soliciting unlawful sex.
Officers ask if you know anyone who may be a victim of human trafficking to contact the Merced Police Department on 559-385-6912.
https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/crime/15-arrested-in-merced-after-sex-trafficking-sting-police-say/