FBI Los Angeles
Public Affairs Specialist Laura Eimiller
(310) 996-3343
June 23, 2014

Operation Cross Country 8 Local Results

This afternoon in Washington, D.C., FBI Director James Comey announced the results of Operation Cross Country 8, a nationally coordinated undercover operation conducted annually targeting pimps and others who victimize minors for the purposes of prostitution. The FBI partnered with more than 500 agencies in 106 cities throughout the United States to conduct Operation Cross Country 8. Nationwide, 281 pimps were identified and 168 minor victims were rescued over the week-long operation that concluded Sunday. Locally, multiple task forces conducted regional operations in the cities of Los Angeles, Long Beach, and throughout Orange, San Bernardino, and Riverside Counties. Local task forces, whose members are listed below, identified 12 pimps during Operation Cross Country 8 and 10 minor victims. In addition, the task forces work with the Department of Child and Family Services and many victim advocate organizations.

Local Operation Cross Country partners:

  • Los Angeles Police Department
  • Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
  • Long Beach Police Department
  • U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI)
  • California Highway Patrol
  • Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office
  • Pomona Police Department
  • Anaheim Police Department
  • Orange County Sheriff’s Department
  • San Bernardino Police Department
  • San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department
  • San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office
  • Fontana Police Department
  • Riverside Police Department
  • Corona Police Department

“Operation Cross Country highlights the dedicated work done year round by our many task forces throughout southern California to address the sexual trafficking of minors,” said Bill Lewis, the Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The publicity generated by the nationally coordinated campaign helps to spread awareness about this growing problem and sends the message to victims who may feel hopeless that help is available, that they don’t have to remain a victim, and that a different future is possible.”

The individuals identified as pimps in the local operations are being held on state charges. As the task force continues to investigate, federal prosecution may be considered.

Resources:

- National press release
- Related FBI.gov story