The Fresno Police Department took part in a statewide VICE operation Wednesday, Jan. 18, as part of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, resulting in multiple arrests, including two suspects accused of arriving to meet minors for sexual acts.

Police said the operation targeted human traffickers, sex purchasers and men seeking to meet minors for sexual activity. The two suspects were booked into the Fresno County Jail on suspicion of attempted lewd acts with a child under the age of 14 and for contacting a minor with intent for sex.

Several agencies assisted in the operation, including Special Operations Finding Kids, the Department of Homeland Security, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, the Clovis Police Department and the Axis Hotel Group.

The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office has assigned Deputy District Attorney Nicole Idiart to the VICE team, police said.

The department also cited its relationship with Breaking the Chains and Central Valley Against Human Trafficking, and said it remains dedicated to preventing sexually motivated crimes as well as human and labor trafficking throughout the year.

Got a Tip?

Anyone with information regarding human trafficking can contact Crime Stoppers anonymously at (559) 498-STOP or the Fresno Police Department’s Human Trafficking Hotline at (559) 621-5950.

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