An anonymous tip led to a sting operation at a Temecula massage parlor, resulting in a prostitution bust. The Riverside County Sheriff's Southwest Station received information suggesting illegal activities occurring at a location in the 27400 block of Jefferson Avenue.
Earlier this week, law enforcement officers moved quickly to quietly serve a search warrant at the massage parlor. Deputies from the Riverside Sheriff’s Southwest CORE Team and Metro Team, cooperated closely with investigators from the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force to carry out the operation. In a statement made by the Riverside Sheriff's Office, two suspects were apprehended.
The arrestees, identified as Li Guan, 40, from Monrovia, and Xao Tao, 47, from San Gabriel, were charged with solicitation of prostitution and later booked into the Cois Byrd Detention Center. Authorities were able to identify one victim at the location, who was subsequently offered support and put in contact with victim advocate case managers, as per the Riverside Sheriff's Office.
These efforts highlight the ongoing struggle against human trafficking and sexual exploitation in our communities. The Riverside Sheriff's Office has made it clear they are committed to disrupting trafficking networks and ensuring victims receive aid while bringing perpetrators to justice. In the same statement, the Sheriff's Office reminded us that human trafficking is indeed not a "victimless" crime and cited research that estimates that out of endangered runaways, 1 in 6 are likely to be victimized by sex trafficking, suffering grievous emotional and physical harm.
The Riverside Sheriff's Office encourages residents to report any suspicions of criminal activity by contacting Sheriff's Dispatch at 951-776-1099, or 911 for emergencies. Tips can also anonymously be submitted through the WE-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline at 909-987-5005 or the Sheriff's Crime Tips online form. For any media inquiries related to this case, the Media Information Bureau stands as the point of contact.
