19 people from Cathedral City to Coachella and beyond arrested in Anti-Human Trafficking Operations

The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force in February conducted multiple proactive operations to identify and arrest persons for prostitution, solicitation of prostitution, pandering, and human trafficking according to Sgt. Jeff Hammond. Operations resulted in 19 arrests, and four persons being provided victim services.

On Feb. 15, the La Quinta Special Enforcement Team, led by Sgt. Jeffrey Cryder conducted a Demand Reduction joint operation with RCAHT to identify “johns” and potential sex trafficking victims.

On Feb. 23, 2023, an additional joint operation was conducted with the Lake Elsinore Special Enforcement Team, led by Sgt. Robert Thomas. Between both operations, 17 persons were arrested for solicitation of prostitution, one person was arrested for attempting to solicit sex from a minor, and one person was arrested for attempting to pander a minor. Four potential victims were identified and provided victim services and resources.

Persons arrested during the operations were:

  • Lanoris Brown, 44, Moreno Valley
  • Roberto Meza, 40, Lake Elsinore
  • Juan Miguel Gonzalez, 44, Fontana
  • Craig Yamashita, 63, Menifee
  • Josue Casteneda, 29, Perris
  • Kevin Caponera, 42, Lake Elsinore
  • Riaan Vanzyl, 33, Corona
  • Eyon Zimmerman, 29, Moreno Valley
  • David Currington, 71, Canyon Lake
  • Julian Sanchez, 27, Menifee
  • Saul Barragan-Lopez, 39, Perris
  • Javier Torres, 42, Perris
  • Adolfo Arandaro, 39, Lake Elsinore
  • Brian Glass, 33, Lake Elsinore (69 PC)
  • Adesupo Ososanya, 39, Lake Elsinore
  • Aaron Ryan Leon, 38, Upland
  • Zeynia Medina, 34, Coachella
  • Christopher Rodriguez, 21, San Jacinto (Human Trafficking of Minor)
  • Oscar Segura, 24, Cathedral City (Human Trafficking of Minor)

The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force seeks to disrupt and dismantle sex trafficking rings operating within Riverside County and will aggressively identify, pursue, and apprehend those who seek to exploit those who are most vulnerable. Through proactive enforcement operations, RCAHT works to reduce future demand for sex trafficking by identifying and arresting sex buyers and rescuing those forced into sexual servitude. The team strives to identify persons working in the field of prostitution and provide victim resources rather than treating them as criminal suspects. RCAHT works with various social workers and non-government organizations to provide a holistic approach to solving the issues related to sexual servitude, exploitation, and prostitution.

If you, or anyone you know has been a victim of human trafficking, you can contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at (888) 373-7888 or contact your local law enforcement department.

Image Sources

  • Disheveled woman: Pexels