A recent prostitution sting conducted by the Citrus Heights Police Department resulted in 10 arrests, including four men accused of soliciting the services of prostitution.
The operation, carried out last week, was part of the fourth annual Reclaim and Rebuild Enforcement Operation and was conducted in coordination with the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force. The objective was to identify and rescue commercially sexually exploited victims of human trafficking and to disrupt the demand for their services, according to a Police Department news release.
The enforcement effort focused on identifying and arresting the pimps, who coordinate the prostitution services, and the “Johns,” who seek the services. Using the internet and other tactics, including undercover operations, Citrus Heights police made 10 arrests. The arrests were for offenses including prostitution, probation violations, and felony and misdemeanor warrant arrests, the news release said.
Those arrested on suspicion of offering pay for sex acts were identified by police as 39-year-old Hamel Yan of Elk Grove, 19-year-old Darrick Chavis of Vacaville, 42-year-old Steven Birdsong of Antelope and 57-year-old Daniel Pellissier of Sacramento.
Police encourage anyone who needs help or knows someone who does, or who suspects human trafficking may be occurring to call the Citrus Heights Police Department at 916-727-5500.