A massage parlor in Palm Desert has been the focal point of a recent raid conducted by the Palm Desert Sheriff's Special Enforcement Team and the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force after tips suggested the establishment was a front for prostitution activities.
Earlier this week, authorities executed a search warrant at the establishment located on the 45000 block of San Pablo Avenue, which resulted in the arrest of Haiwei Donkersgoed, a 58-year-old Victorville resident who is now facing charges of operating a brothel, during the operation two females were identified as potential human trafficking victims, they were offered assistance and advocacy services as the investigation proceeds, as reported by the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.
The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (RCAHT), a unit working to combat and uproot sex trafficking in the area, confirmed the arrest and ongoing efforts in an official statement, highlighting their commitment to protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation. The two women discovered at the location were provided with immediate resource access and in-person advocacy to assist with their recovery and transition, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Office.
Community members with any knowledge about this case are encouraged to reach out to Sergeant Jeff Hammond via the task force's email, [email protected], details of the ongoing investigation including the services offered to victims of such crimes can be found on the task force's partnered sites, humantraffickingcoalition.org, and riversidesheriff.org, the latter said, "The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force seeks to disrupt and dismantle sex trafficking rings operating within Riverside County and will aggressively identify, pursue, and apprehend those who exploit the most vulnerable," the Riverside County Sheriff's Office stated.
Those in need of help or information on human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at (888) 373-7888, or get in touch with local law enforcement agencies for assistance.
