14-year-old girl takes down human trafficking ring that kidnapped and forced her into prostitution in California
A 14-year-old girl from Flint, Michigan, was reportedly kidnapped and forced into prostitution in California where she alerted authorities and helped bring down a human trafficking ring. She was reported as a missing runaway from Flint since Sep 1, 2018, according to the Detroit Free Press.
The police stated that she had run away to Chicago and was kidnapped there. She was then reportedly moved across cities throughout California and forced into prostitution. The teenager had managed to alert the Crisis Text Line which responded and rescued her. The incidence occurred in San Jose, California. The teenager was found at a Motel 6 location, 2560 Fontaine Road location, and was rescued from there. There were two other women held against their will who were also rescued from the same location. The women, aged 20 and 23, were also victims of the same human trafficking ring.
The police arrested three men in connection with the incidence. Two of them, 43-year-old Antoine Williams and 39-year-old Christopher Johnson, were charged with human trafficking (felony), pimping and pandering, and kidnapping. The third suspect, 59-year-old Curtis Russell, was charged with human trafficking and pimping. They belonged to a human trafficking ring which spread over multiple states.
San Jose PD released a statement on their website: "Officers learned the second survivor was forced to engage in prostitution and the third survivor was procured for the purpose of prostitution. Detectives believe the third survivor would have likely been indoctrinated into a life of prostitution had she not been rescued by the San Jose Police Department. The suspects were located at the motel and taken into custody."
Sgt. Enrique Garcia of the police said: "It was courageous for the 14-year-old to do what she did." He further said, "We take these cases extremely seriously and we’re going to allocate the resources necessary to solve them." Authorities have asked anyone with information to contact Detective Gurbaksh Sohal or Detective Sgt. Tony Ruelas at 408-277-4102 or email stopslavery@sanjoseca.gov. Those wishing to remain anonymous can leave a tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408-947-STOP (7867) or svcrimestoppers.org.
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