Long Beach police officers have made significant strides against human trafficking, leading to the reunification of three teenage girls with their families and the arrest of 37-year-old Huston Hughes for alleged sexual battery and parole violation. As reported by KTLA, the first victim, a 14-year-old girl, was encountered by North Division officers on the street and was deemed to be involved in commercial sex work against her will.
Following this, Long Beach Police conducted a traffic stop on January 20, uncovering two more victims, ages 16 and 17, and the individual now in custody, who was already on parole for pimping and weapons charges the Long Beach Police Department's commitment to public safety and the protection of vulnerable individuals is evident through their diligent investigation and action in these cases. According to the KTLA article, these investigations have not only rescued victims but have also highlighted the ongoing challenge of human trafficking in our communities.
Hughes, whose bail has been set at no bail, was identified during the second incident after the High Crime Focus Team conducted a vehicle stop. The officers observed that he was in the company of the two teenage girls; it was later ascertained that one of the teens had been sexually assaulted by Hughes. In light of the gravity of these crimes, authorities have taken immediate measures to ensure the victims' safety and support, as detailed in the police press release referenced by the Long Beach Police Department's official statement.
The Chief of Police, Wally Hebeish, commended the officers for their "exceptional work in addressing community safety concerns and rescuing these vulnerable individuals," reinforcing the department's vigilant stance on human trafficking, as reported by KTLA. The Long Beach Police Department continues to urge the public to report information about trafficking situations through the National Human Trafficking Hotline or directly to their department’s Vice Investigation Detail.
