20 Survivors, 11 Arrests In Human Trafficking Strike

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Authorities arrested 11 people suspected of sex trafficking, pimping, pandering, and firearms violations. They found 20 survivors — including three children — in a weeklong, multi-agency operation across Contra Costa County by the Contra Costa Human Trafficking Task Force.

The operation, known as Operation Reclaim and Rebuild, ran from Jan. 25 through Jan. 31 and coincided with National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Over the course of the week, the task force carried out five separate enforcement actions targeting human trafficking activity.

The effort involved 21 local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, along with five victim services organizations. Authorities said the operation focused on identifying victims, disrupting trafficking networks, and connecting survivors with services.

“Operation Reclaim and Rebuild demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable members of our community and holding exploiters accountable," District Attorney Diana Becton said. “The arrests made during this week-long operation send a clear message: human trafficking will not be tolerated in Contra Costa County," she said in a statement.

Two suspects were arraigned in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez on Wednesday, and a third arraignment is scheduled today at 1:30 p.m. They face charges of human trafficking of a minor for a sex act, pandering of a minor, lewd acts upon a child, and various allegations related to possession of a firearm by a felon.

“Our priority is supporting survivors, ensuring they receive the help they need, and bringing their exploiters to justice," Task Force Director Katrina Natale said.