Human Trafficking suspect arrested
Simi Valley Police Detectives completed an investigation into a possible human trafficking case involving Simi Valley group home females being prostituted by an adult male suspect. Our investigation led to the identification of a suspect, Jose Diaz Velasco (24, Compton). Evidence showed that Velasco was arranging sexual encounters with underage girls via social media applications.
The investigation culminated into a coordination with Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Fugitive Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, California Department of Justice, and Ventura & Los Angeles County Children and Family Services. These agencies, along with Simi Valley Police Detectives served a search warrant in the city of Compton on June 8, 2022.
At the conclusion of the warrant service, Velasco was located and arrested for violation of 236.1(c)(1) PC – Human trafficking of a minor, and 266h(a)(1) PC – Pimping of a minor 16 years and older. In addition, Velasco was found to be housing another missing female juvenile from the City of Simi Valley who was taken into protective custody by Ventura County Children and Family Services.
Address/Location
Simi Valley Police Department
3901 Alamo St
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-583-6950
Brian Murray
Detectives
[email protected]
805-583-6906