Ventura man charged with human trafficking, sex crimes against minor Friday

VENTURA, Calif. – The Ventura County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday that Gerardo Hernandez Cruz of Ventura has been indicted on three counts and four special allegations related to sex crimes and human trafficking on a minor.

Cruz received special charges and allegations for the following crimes:

Charges:

• PC 236.1 – Human trafficking of minors
• PC 261(a)(2) – Forcible rape
• PC 289(a)(1)(C) – Forced sexual penetration of a minor over 14 years of age

Special claims:

• (3 counts) CRC 4.421(a)(3) – Victim was particularly vulnerable
• PC264(c)(2) – The victim was 14 years of age or older

Ventura County Sheriff's deputies received a text message to 911 and interviewed the juvenile victim who had sought help in Casitas Springs on May 9.

Officers then interviewed the victim and learned that she was allegedly transported from Mexico to Ventura County, according to the VC DA's office.

Cruz is accused of performing sexual acts against her will after arriving, as she was arraigned May 13 in Ventura County with a not guilty plea, the VC DA's office explained.

Cruz remains in custody with bail set at $500,000, according to the VC DA's office.