Ventura Sheriff Releases Human Trafficking Task Force Statistical Summary

Nature of Incident: Human Trafficking Task Force Statistical Summary
Location:Ventura County, California
Date & Time:2019-2025
Unit(s) Responsible:Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force (VCHTTF)

In September 2019, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office was awarded the Fiscal Year 2019 (FY19) Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking grant in the amount of $800,000. This funding supported the establishment of a countywide task force dedicated to combating human trafficking, with a focus on victim-centered and trauma-informed investigations, as well as expanding access to resources for victims. The grant performance period commenced in October 2019 and concluded in September 2022.

In October 2022, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office was awarded a second-phase grant under the Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking in the amount of $750,000. During this phase, the task force continued its proactive efforts to identify and apprehend human traffickers while ensuring victims received appropriate tools, services, and opportunities for recovery and reintegration. This grant period began in October 2022 and concluded in September 2025.

The Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force (VCHTTF) is composed of two full-time Sheriff’s Detectives, supported by designated detectives from each law enforcement agency within Ventura County, as well as multiple victim service organizations. The task force investigates both labor and sex trafficking incidents occurring within the county.

The primary objectives of these operations are to:

• Rescue victims of sexual exploitation and forced labor;
• Provide comprehensive social services to identified and potential victims;
• Arrest human traffickers and pimps; and
• Apprehend “Johns” (commercial sex buyers) who exploit victims through the commercial sex trade.

 During all task force operations, trained victim service providers remain on standby to respond immediately whenever a victim is identified, ensuring prompt delivery of trauma-informed care and support.

Under California Penal Code Section 236.1, an individual commits the crime of Human Trafficking when they deprive or violate the personal liberty of another with the intent to effect or maintain a violation of Section 266h (Pimping), 266i (Pandering), or other related statutes. A violation occurs when an offender obtains forced labor or services from another person through force, fraud, or coercion.

Additionally, California Penal Code Section 647(b) defines Solicitation of Prostitution as performing, offering, or agreeing to perform a sexual act in exchange for money or other compensation.

Over the past six years, data collected from multiple law enforcement and partner agencies have demonstrated the effectiveness and sustained impact of the Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force. Through collaboration among federal, state, and local partners, the task force has achieved substantial progress in victim identification, trafficker apprehension, and the disruption of organized trafficking networks. Statistical analyses from recent years indicate measurable advancement in enforcement outcomes and victim assistance, underscoring the task force’s commitment to data-driven, victim-centered, and intelligence-led policing strategies.

The following figures summarize the task force’s measurable outcomes over the past six years, reflecting the steady advancement of the program since its inception in 2019. These results illustrate the ongoing success of VCHTTF in fulfilling its mission under the guiding principles of trauma-informed and victim-focused operations.

Human Trafficking Task Force Statistical Summary (2019–2025)

• Human trafficking-related cases investigated: 399
• Suspects arrested for human trafficking-related crimes: 99
• Potential human trafficking victims identified: 408
• Human trafficking-related training and community awareness events conducted: 804

 The Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force remains steadfast in its mission to combat human trafficking through strategic enforcement, comprehensive victim services, and community engagement. Continued collaboration among local law enforcement, advocacy organizations, and the community remains vital to sustaining progress and protecting vulnerable populations.

Individuals who believe they may be victims of human trafficking, or who suspect that someone else may be a victim, are strongly encouraged to contact “211” or their local law enforcement agency to be connected with immediate assistance and support services.