A human trafficking investigation has led to the rescue of multiple female minors, and charges filed against one male adult, according to a press release issued by the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) Wednesday, while additional victims are still being sought.

Detectives from the LBPD’s Vice Investigations Section along with Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) Operation South Bureau Human Trafficking Task Force detectives presented a human trafficking case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office on January 14 for filing considerations against 18-year-old Los Angeles resident Reginald Washington, who was already in custody for an unrelated charge out of Los Angeles, stated the release.

The District Attorney’s Office filed seven counts of human trafficking, involving seven victims that are minors. Washington was arraigned on January 19 in Los Angeles Superior Court, with his bail set at $1,900,000, according to the LBPD.

LAPD and LBPD detectives successfully investigated the case together. Detectives began the investigation after they found a minor in Long Beach who told them she was being forced to perform acts of prostitution for Washington, according to the release. Detectives were then able to find additional minors who conveyed similar stories. The LAPD also identified minor victims who had been exploited by Washington in Los Angeles.

The Long Beach Police Department is a proud member of the Commercially Sexually Exploited Child Task Force formed in 2013 by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors. The victims who were identified by detectives will be provided victim-centered services through the Los Angeles County First Responder Protocol for Sexually Exploited Children.

Investigators believe other victims may exist and strongly encourage them to come forward by contacting the LBPD’s Vice Investigations Detail, as well as anyone with information regarding the investigation, at 562.570.7219.

Image courtesy of the LBPD.