California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the arrest of four individuals connected to an alleged operation of two residential brothels in Sacramento County. The suspects face felony charges including conspiracy, pimping, pandering, money laundering, tax evasion, mortgage fraud, and criminal profiteering. The case stems from a comprehensive investigation by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and other agencies, which revealed that the defendants exploited vulnerable individuals while operating illicit businesses in residential areas.
The brothels, which were allegedly active from April 2022 to February 2025, reportedly involved recruiting women to engage in commercial sex at residential homes. The suspects promoted the services on various websites and collected payments from clients seeking sexual services. Authorities say the operation was a sophisticated criminal network designed to exploit vulnerable individuals for financial gain.
As part of the operation, six survivors of human trafficking were offered critical resources and support services. This effort highlights the commitment of law enforcement agencies to not only dismantle criminal enterprises but also provide a path to recovery for those impacted by exploitation.
The investigation was carried out by special agents from the DOJ’s Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Team and the White-Collar Investigation Team, with assistance from multiple agencies, including the Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, the Bureau of Gambling Control, the U.S. Department of State, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Local agencies such as Sacramento County Code Enforcement, the California Franchise Tax Board, and the Employment Development Department also provided support through the TRUE Task Force.
“This case is a testament to the dedication of our prosecutors and special agents, who work tirelessly every day to protect the most vulnerable Californians from exploitation,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Through our partnerships, we can leverage resources across the state to dismantle criminal networks, protect survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable.”
HSI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Tatum King emphasized the importance of collaboration in bringing down the operation. “HSI is committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions and dismantling criminal networks that prey on vulnerable populations,” said King.
The charges against the four individuals will be prosecuted by the DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section. The suspects are set for arraignment on February 18, 2025, at the Sacramento County Superior Court.
****It is important to note that criminal charges are allegations, and every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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