Stockton police cite 39 sex workers, 36 men involved in prostitution operation

Lina Portman2 days ago

0 1 minute read

A human trafficking and prostitution operation resulted in dozens of citations and a handful of arrests over the weekend, according to the Stockton Police Department.

On Saturday, Stockton police were on the lookout for people engaged in sex work. The department said its operation targeted Sierra Nevada Street, Wilson Way and the Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard corridor, all areas known for prostitution and related problems.

“By conducting targeted operations in high-crime areas, the department is able to disrupt and dismantle human trafficking networks, rescue victims and bring perpetrators to justice,” the Stockton Police Department said in a statement.

The operation resulted in 39 citations and proceedings against sex workers, 36 traffic tickets against men for solicitation of prostitution, four warrant arrests, one DUI arrest, 15 vehicles towed and one vehicle pursuit arrest.

A 17-year-old human trafficking victim was also released to her family, police said. Minors cannot consent to commercial sex acts and are considered victims of the crime, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said.

If you or someone you know or suspect is a victim of human trafficking, the San Joaquin County Family Justice Center offers help. Call the agency’s 24-hour anti-trafficking hotline at (209) 948-1911. The agency also offers counseling and resources to help people heal and live a life free of sex trafficking and exploitation; visit weshallprevail.org for more information.

More local resources to support victims of human trafficking

Chest of Hope Helpline: (209) 259-5552
Haven of Peace Women's Shelter (French Camp): (209) 982-0396
National Human Trafficking Hotline: (888) 373-7888
San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office Victim/Witness Services: (209) 468-2500

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. You can reach her at [email protected] or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to the Stockton Record at

More local resources to support victims of human trafficking

Lina Portman

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