A 17-year-old girl trafficked into the United States from Mexico was rescued after she managed to text 911 for help, utilizing a new emergency text feature. The incident took place in Casitas Springs, an unincorporated area in Ventura County, as reported by KTLA. Deputies located the girl after she provided descriptions of nearby landmarks, despite not knowing her exact location.
Gerardo Cruz, a 31-year-old man from Veracruz, Mexico, has been arrested in connection with the case. According to official statements published by CBS News, Cruz faces charges including human trafficking, forcible rape, and lewd acts upon a child. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held on a $500,000 bail with an upcoming court date on May 22.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Communication Center received the life-saving text around 3:00 A.M. on May 9. Using an integrated translation technology, dispatchers were able to communicate with the girl, who sent messages in Spanish. This cross-language dialogue enabled rescue teams to swiftly locate the girl, as revealed by a news release quoted on Nixle.
Following her rescue, the teenager was placed under the care of Ventura County Child Family Services, pending reunion with her family. The authorities have not disclosed whether she has family in the U.S. or when the reunion might occur. Meanwhile, the Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information on human trafficking operations or potential victims to confidentially call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477, as per information gathered by KTLA.
