TULARE COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Five men were arrested, and four women were rescued in Visalia during a human sex trafficking detail, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday.
Deputies say they partnered with Porterville Police on Jan. 30 and 31 to conduct a human sex trafficking detail in the Visalia area. The aim was to identify those who solicit women for sexual favors in exchange for money and contact potential victims to offer help.
During their investigation, detectives reported the following men were arrested on charges of soliciting prostitution:
- 41-year-old Edward Pena of Tulare
- 43-year-old Roy Pearce of Visalia
- 56-year-old David Abundiz of Reedley
- 43-year-old Arturo Zaragoza of Visalia (no mugshot supplied)
- 53-year-old Fernando Martinez of Orange Cove (no mugshot supplied)
Detectives reported they were also able to rescue four women who were victims of human trafficking.
The sheriff’s office says they plan on continuing to conduct these types of operations and ask if you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking to contact them at 559-733-6218.
