On Tuesday, April 11, 2023, the Pomona Police Department Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Human Trafficking Team conducted an undercover operation targeting sex purchasers and human traffickers. The operation was conducted along East Holt Ave. and Indian Hill Blvd.
During the operation, officers posed as sex workers and were contacted by sex purchasers. A total of five arrests were made:
1. Timothy Macias / 34 year-old male from San Dimas / 647(B) PC (Prostitution)
2. Mark Mendoza / 20 year-old male from Pomona / 647(B) PC (Prostitution)
3. Juan Ramirezgonzalez / 40 year-old male from Rialto / 647(B) PC (Prostitution)
4. Emmanoel Zakarian / 26 year-old made from Glendale / 647(B) PC (Prostitution)
5. Micaelo Duran / 26 year-old male from Rowland Heights / 647(B) PC (Prostitution)
The Pomona Police Department takes a proactive approach to combating human trafficking and utilizes the assistance of other agencies to provide a victim-centered approach. In 2022, the Pomona Police Department rescued 11 juvenile victims of human trafficking and several adult victims.
Investigators believe there may be unidentified victims related to human trafficking and urge anyone with information to contact the Pomona Police Department at (909) 620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477). Information can also be reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or via text message to 233733.
