Couple arrested for alleged sex trafficking of two minor girls

Above: Archival photos of Powell and Cheso | Courtesy of SCSO

“Yesterday, June 23, 2024, a Sacramento County Sheriff's Northern Patrol deputy was patrolling near Watt Avenue and Winona Way in the North Highlands when he rescued a young girl who was being sex trafficked. After getting her to safety, he returned to the same area around 8 p.m. when he observed two younger-looking girls wearing lingerie near a vehicle. Concerned for their safety, he spoke to the two 17-year-old girls and discovered that they too were victims of sex trafficking.

Detectives from the Sheriff's Office of Special Investigations responded and learned that the two girls were being trafficked by family friends they called their “street parents.” Detectives located John Cheso, 46, and Shannon Powell, 35, and arrested them on human trafficking charges. Cheso remains in custody on $2 million bail and is due in court on June 26. Powell remains in custody on $1 million bail and is due in court tomorrow (June 25).

Based on their investigation, detectives are concerned that Cheso and Powell may have additional unreported victims and encourage anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Office at (916) 874-5115 or Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357). Tips leading to an arrest are eligible for a CASH reward of up to $1,000, and tipsters remain anonymous. Tips are paid in cash and no identification is required. Contact Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at (916) 443-HELP (4357), 1-800-AA-CRIME or **TIPS. Use the “P3 TIPS” app or online at www.sacvalleycrimestoppers.com. Tip information can also be left anonymously at www.sacsheriff.com or by calling (916) 874-TIPS (8477).

Originally published by Sacramento County Sheriff's Office

Couple arrested for alleged sex trafficking of two minor girls was last edited: June 26, 2024 by administrator