U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers Farlis Almonte and Ricardo Rodriguez were assigned to immigration inspection booths at the San Ysidro Port of Entry. They were charged after investigators found phone evidence showing they had exchanged messages with human traffickers in Mexico and discovered unexplained cash deposits into their bank accounts, according to a criminal complaint unsealed Thursday.

Surveillance video showed at least one instance in which a vehicle with a driver and a passenger stopped at a checkpoint but only the driver was documented as having entered the country, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors said the officers waved dozens of vehicles carrying people without documents. They said both men were paid thousands for each vehicle they waved through.

It wasn’t immediately known if Almonte has an attorney who can speak on his behalf. The National Border Patrol Council, the union representing Border Patrol officers, didn’t immediately return an email seeking comment.

Rodriguez’s attorney, Michael Hawkins, said the case was still in the “infant stages” and that Rodriguez has the presumption of innocence.

“We look forward to working through the current situation,” Hawkins said in an email in which he described Rodriguez as hardworking and loyal.

The investigation on Almonte and Rodriguez started after three migrant smugglers who were arrested last year told federal investigators they had been working with U.S. border inspectors, federal prosecutors said.

While Almonte was in custody, investigators allegedly seized nearly $70,000 in cash they believe his romantic partner was trying to move to Tijuana. Prosecutors wrote in a court filing that Almonte is potentially facing additional charges for money laundering and obstruction of justice, The San Diego Union Tribune reported.

“Any Customs and Border Protection agent who aids or turns a blind eye to smugglers bringing undocumented immigrants into the U.S. is betraying their oath and endangering our national security,” Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden told the newspaper in a statement.

There have been five U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers assigned to the San Diego area to face similar corruption charges in the last two years.

Last year, former U.S. border inspector Leonard Darnell George was sentenced to 23 years in prison for taking bribes to allow people and drug-laden vehicles to enter the country through the San Ysidro border crossing. Two other former border officers at the Otay Mesa and Tecate ports of entry were charged last year with similar charges. They are expected to go on trial this summer.

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“Prostitution is a criminal offense, and those who seek these illegal activities contribute to an illicit underground economy both locally and throughout the State of California,” according to a department statement.

The operation focused on rescuing victims of sexual slavery and human trafficking, identifying and arresting their captors, and disrupting demand for these vulnerable victims, they said.

During the Murrieta operation, one female was identified as a human trafficking victim and accepted outreach and diversion services. Her name was removed from the below list. She was one of the 177 victims rescued in the California statewide law enforcement operation where547 were arrested and 177 people were freed from sex slavery.

Additionally, nine males were arrested for solicitation of prostitution and one male was arrested for pimping.

Arrested during the operation for solicitation of prostitution were:

• Marco Antonio Cota, 42, of Murrieta
• Angel Llano-Trinidad, 42, of Riverside
• Brian Huff, 45, of Menifee
• Charles Hoffman Polhamus III, 37, of Murrieta
• Alexandre Daniel Bogdan, 22, of Fullerton
• Mauro Martinez, 22, of Temecula
• Jeremiah Castaneda Arapeles, 45, of Murrieta
• Christopher James Funk, 29, of Norco
• Matthew Deshawn Edmonston, 29, of San Bernardino, arrested for pimping

“Prostitution is not a “victimless” crime. Human trafficking is the second largest criminal enterprise in the world,” according to a Murrieta Police Department spokesperson. “Ninety-five percent of sex trafficking victims are women or children. Those victimized by commercial sexual exploitation frequently have long histories of emotional, physical, and/or sexual abuse or trauma in their backgrounds.

“The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children estimates 1 in 6 endangered runaways reported are likely victims of sex trafficking. Sex trafficking victims are often subjected to severe forms of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse at the hands of their trafficker. Still, they are also frequently physically and sexually assaulted by those who solicit them for prostitution.”

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The Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station Special Enforcement Team, assisted by the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, executed a search warrant Tuesday in the 45000 block of San Pablo Avenue stemming from an anonymous tip regarding possible illegal activities at a massage parlor, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Investigators located 58-year-old Victorville resident Haiwei Donkersgoed at the business, where he was taken into custody and later booked on suspicion of maintaining a brothel.

“Two additional females were located at the business and identified as possible victims of human trafficking. The females were provided resources and in-person advocacy services,” sheriff’s officials said in a statement.

Anyone with information regarding the case was encouraged to contact Sgt. Hammond and the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force at HT@riversidesheriff.org. Victims of human trafficking or tipsters with additional information should contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 888-373-7888 or local law enforcement.

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File # D230960010

Details:

On Wednesday, April 6, 2023, at 10:31 p.m., deputies from the Hemet Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a runaway/missing juvenile girl in the unincorporated area of Hemet. During their investigation, deputies learned the underaged girl had been picked up by an unknown subject. Later, deputies located and detained an adult male who picked up the underaged girl. During their investigation, deputies determined the suspect, Frankie Frias, a 39-year-old Hispanic male and resident of Hemet, had sexually assaulted the underaged girl. The Sheriff’s Anti Human Trafficking Task Force and investigators from the Hemet Sheriff’s Station responded to assist with the investigation.

Frias was booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center for the following charges: Human trafficking, rape of an intoxicated person, unlawful sexual contact with a minor, committing a lewd act upon a minor, contributing to the delinquency of a minor and placing a tattoo upon the person of a minor.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Sergeant Anthony Pelato at the Hemet Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 486–6700.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

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File # D230910002

Details:

On Saturday, April 1, 2023, at 1:36 a.m., deputies from the Hemet Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of runaway/missing juvenile girls in the unincorporated area of Hemet. During their investigation, deputies learned the underaged girls had been picked up by an unknown subject. Later that morning, deputies located and detained an adult male who picked up the underaged girls. During their investigation, deputies determined the suspect, Isaiah D’Andre Jamal Sutton, a 26-year-old black male and resident of Porter Ranch, had sexually assaulted the underaged girls.

The Sheriff’s Anti Human Trafficking Task Force and investigators from the Hemet Sheriff’s Station responded to assist with the investigation. Sutton was booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center for the following charges: committing lewd acts on a 14 -15 year-old juvenile being more than ten years older, and unlawful sexual contact with a minor under the age of sixteen.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Sergeant Anthony Pelato at the Hemet Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 486–6700.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

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File # R222550007

Details:

On October 19, 2022, at 6:45 PM, the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RCAHT) conducted a human trafficking investigation at a location in the 24600 block of Sunnymead Blvd in the city of Moreno Valley. During the investigation, it was learned a female minor was posting ads on an adult website. RCAHT, with the assistance of the Moreno Valley Problem Oriented Policing Team and Moreno Valley Homeless Outreach Team, conducted an operation to locate and recover the juvenile.

The minor arrived at the location with Joshua Anderson, a 26-year-old male resident of Anaheim. Anderson was arrested and transported to the county jail where he was booked for human trafficking and pimping. The female victim was safely recovered.

The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force is asking anyone with additional information regarding this investigation to contact RCAHT Task Force Investigator Bridgette Recksiek at (951) 955–1700 or call anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867) and reference incident #R222550007.

The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force was formed in 2010 and the eastern Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force was formed in 2020. Both address crimes involving the exploitation of victims via force, fraud, or coercion. These cases often involve the commercial sex trafficking of children, as well as incidents of forced labor, indentured servitude, debt bondage, or slavery. The RCAHT Task Force is a multidisciplinary task force that combines the investigative resources of both local and federal law enforcement. The RCAHT Task Force also provides victim services and education/outreach through partnerships with the non-profit groups Operation SafeHouse, Rebirth Homes, Run 2 Rescue, and Million Kids.

The law enforcement component of RCAHT is currently composed of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Riverside County Probation Department, along with part-time participation of the Hemet Police Department, Riverside Police Department, and Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

Anyone can report Human Trafficking activity or tips to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at (888) 373-7888.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

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File # R220190009

Details:

In January 2022, the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RCAHT) conducted a human trafficking investigation that occurred in Riverside and Los Angeles County, Las Vegas and Seattle. During the investigation, RCAHT members learned Loyd Turner, 29 of Riverside, was involved in human trafficking.

On June 28, 2022, RCAHT with the assistance of the Special Enforcement Bureau served a search warrant at 3500 block of Lemon Street, Riverside. During the service of the search warrant, a stolen AK-47, magazines and ammunition was located inside the location. Turner was arrested and transported to the county jail for human trafficking, pimping, pandering, possession of an assault weapon and possession of stolen property.

Report Human Trafficking activity or tips to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at (888) 373-7888.

The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force is asking anyone with additional information to contact RCAHT Task Force Deputy Mario Chavez at (951) 955-1700 or call anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867) and reference incident # R220190009.

The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force was formed in 2010 and the eastern Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force was formed in 2020. Both address crimes involving the exploitation of victims via force, fraud, or coercion. These cases often involve the commercial sex trafficking of children, as well as incidents of forced labor, indentured servitude, debt bondage, or slavery. The RCAHT Task Force is a multidisciplinary task force that combines the investigative resources of both local and federal law enforcement. The RCAHT Task Force also provides victim services and education/outreach through partnerships with the non-profit groups Operation SafeHouse, Rebirth Homes, Run 2 Rescue, and Million Kids.

The law enforcement component of RCAHT is currently composed of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Riverside County Probation Department, along with part-time participation of the Hemet Police Department, Riverside Police Department, and Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

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File # R220630004

Details:

On March 4, 2022, the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RCAHT) conducted a sex trafficking investigation that occurred in the cities of Palm Desert, Indio and Desert Hot Springs. During the investigation, seven victims were identified which were all minors. RCAHT members learned Dewayne Williams, a 32-year-old resident of Indio, was involved in human trafficking of a minor.

On April 21, 2022, the U.S Marshall Service Pacific South West Task Force arrested Williams at the San Ysidro crossing port in San Diego County for human trafficking of a minor, pandering of minor, lewd acts with a minor, inducing a minor to consume narcotics (Fentanyl). Williams was transported to the Central Jail in San Diego County.

RCAHT reminds parents/legal guardians to monitor their children’s online activity, social media/gaming platforms and who they are communicating with in the different online platforms.

Report Human Trafficking activity or tips to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at (888) 373-7888

The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force is asking anyone with additional information to contact RCAHT Task Force Investigator Damen Butvidas at (760) 836-1600 or call anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867) and reference incident # R22 063 0004.

The eastern Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force was formed in March 2020 to address crimes involving the exploitation of victims via force, fraud, or coercion in the eastern half of the Coachella Valley. These cases often involve the commercial sex trafficking of children, as well as incidents of forced labor, indentured servitude, debt bondage, or slavery. The RCAHT Task Force is a multidisciplinary task force that combines the investigative resources of both local and federal law enforcement. The RCAHT Task Force also provides victim services and education/outreach through partnerships with the non-profit groups Operation Safe House, Rebirth Homes, and Million Kids.

The law enforcement component of RCAHT is currently composed of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Riverside County Probation Department, along with part-time participation of the Hemet Police Department, Riverside Police Department, and Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

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The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RACHT) continued their human trafficking investigation and identified a third suspect, Ivan Hernandez, 34 of Indio, for his involved in this investigation. On January 18, 2021, Indio Police Department arrested Ivan Hernandez, in the city of Indio for an outstanding arrest warrant for this investigation. Hernandez was transported to the county jail in Indio where he was booked for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and oral copulation of a minor.

The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force is asking anyone with additional information to contact RCAHT Task Force Deputy Raul Baron at (760) 836-1600 or call anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867) and reference incident # R20 302 0002.

Update:

On Thursday, December 17, 2020,  the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RCAHT) continued their human trafficking investigation and identified a second suspect involved in this incident. RCAHT arrested Luis Angel Lopez, 23 of Indio, in the 83-300 block of Avenue 44, Indio for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor. Lopez was transported to the Riverside County Jail in Indio.

The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force is asking anyone with additional information to contact RCAHT Task Force Deputy Raul Baron at (760) 836-1600 or call anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867) and reference incident # R20 302 0002.

Details:

On Thursday, October 29, 2020 Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RCAHT) assumed a human trafficking investigation. During the investigation, the suspect was identified as Maximiliano Martinez, 33 of Palm Desert.

On Friday, October 30, 2020 at 11:00 AM, RCAHT with the assistance of the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force arrested Martinez on a felony arrest warrant and was transported to the Riverside County Jail in Indio.

On November 20, 2020 Martinez was charged with human trafficking of a minor, pimping of a minor, pandering of a minor, unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, and oral copulation.

The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force is asking anyone with additional information to contact RCAHT Task Force Deputy Raul Baron at (760) 836-1600 or call anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867) and reference incident # R20 302 0002.

The eastern Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force was formed in March 2020 to address crimes involving the exploitation of victims via force, fraud, or coercion in the eastern half of the Coachella Valley. These cases often involve the commercial sex trafficking of children, as well as incidents of forced labor, indentured servitude, debt bondage, or slavery. The RCAHT Task Force is a multidisciplinary task force that combines the investigative resources of both local and federal law enforcement. The RCAHT Task Force also provides victim services and education/outreach through partnerships with the non-profit groups Operation Safe House, Rebirth Homes, and Million Kids. The law enforcement component of RCAHT is currently composed of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Riverside County Probation Department, along with part-time participation of the Hemet Police Department, Riverside Police Department, and Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

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On Friday, December 18, 2020, RCAHT Task Force arrested Moreno and Portillo for human trafficking of a minor in the 81-300 block of Miles Avenue., Indio. Moreno and Portillo were transported to the county jail in Indio.

The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force is asking anyone with additional information to contact RCAHT Task Force Deputy Ernestina Contreras at (760) 836-1600 or call anonymously at (760) 341-STOP (7867) and reference incident # R201060008.

Report Human Trafficking activity or tips to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at (888) 373-7888.

The eastern Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force was formed in March 2020 to address crimes involving the exploitation of victims via force, fraud, or coercion in the eastern half of the Coachella Valley. These cases often involve the commercial sex trafficking of children, as well as incidents of forced labor, indentured servitude, debt bondage, or slavery. The RCAHT Task Force is a multidisciplinary task force that combines the investigative resources of both local and federal law enforcement. The RCAHT Task Force also provides victim services and education/outreach through partnerships with the non-profit groups Operation Safe House, Rebirth Homes, and Million Kids.

The law enforcement component of RCAHT is currently composed of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, the State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Riverside County Probation Department, along with part-time participation of the Hemet Police Department, Riverside Police Department, and Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

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