Add The California Post on Google A major sting operation conducted in San Diego during Comic Con weekend has resulted in dozens of arrests for alleged sex solicitation and prostitution.
Undercover agents with the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF) initiated contact with sex buyers throughout the county, resulting in 27 arrests for “solicitation, loitering for purposes of solicitation, or other related offenses” during a three-day operation, according to a press release from the California Department of Justice.
Operation Iron Justice — which took place from July 22-24 — focused on stopping the demand for commercial sex services surrounding large-scale events like the annual gathering in the city for fans of comic book movies, TV, merchandise and more.
Officers also recovered seven adults, and two underage sex workers — including a 16-year-old who had been missing from San Bernardino county — all who were allegedly sex trafficking victims.
“The ugly truth is that the demand for these illegal services fuels the supply of commercial sex operations and human trafficking,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said about the operation.
“No matter if it’s around large-scale conventions or anywhere else, solicitation is a crime and California stands ready to hold offenders accountable,” he continued.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said Operation Iron Justice highlights the coordinated work of local, state and federal agencies to combat sex trafficking, adding that federal prosecutors are prepared to pursue charges carrying mandatory minimum prison sentences of 10 to 15 years against traffickers.
San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan, said this operation makes it crystal clear “human beings are not for sale.”
“The arrest of 27 sex buyers during this large-scale gathering sends a clear message that purchasing sex is not a victimless crime, it drives an illicit industry that generates more than $810 million a year in San Diego County and profits from exploitation of children and adults,” Stephan addded.
The issue has remained a persistent issue through the area.
San Diego City Attorney Heather Ferbert revealed her office has filed 81 cases against alleged sex buyers so far this year under a state law that targets purchasers directly.
The DOJ said events like Comic Con, which drew more than 130,000 people this year to the area, provide the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about human trafficking.
“Solicitation is a crime subject to jail time and monetary penalties because the demand for commercial sex is a driving force that contributes to human trafficking, as human traffickers profit from forced or coerced commercial sex work,” the release said.
The suspected buyers were taken into custody and transported to the jail where they were booked.
The potential victims and survivors were offered access to resources and supportive services, per the release.
