What started as a late-night disturbance call outside a Castroville shopping center turned into a major human trafficking bust, according to Monterey County authorities.
Deputies say a 31-year-old Castroville man was arrested yesterday and booked on a long list of felony charges after he allegedly strangled a woman and sexually trafficked her. The confrontation reportedly unfolded last Thursday night near a shopping center on Merritt Street in Castroville, and investigators later tracked the suspect to Salinas.
According to CBS San Francisco, witnesses called 911 around 11:45 p.m. after seeing a man choking a woman near the Merritt Street shopping area. When deputies arrived, the victim told them she had been sexually trafficked. The county Violent Crimes Unit later identified the suspect as 31-year-old Eric Adam Melendez of Castroville.
Investigators say they obtained a $1 million bail enhancement for Melendez, secured an emergency protective order for the victim, and put out a call for any additional information. Anyone with tips is asked to contact Detective Janelli Arroyo at 831-755-7261 or Detective Sgt. Nicholas Kennedy at 831-755-3773.
Arrest, Searches And What Investigators Say
Detectives later spotted Melendez driving a silver Honda CR-V in Salinas and, as reported by CBS San Francisco, "took him into custody without incident." Once they had him, the case got even bigger.
Authorities say they found a "large quantity" of methamphetamine in the vehicle, along with heroin and fentanyl. Follow-up search warrants, according to investigators, turned up condoms, lingerie, perfumes, more narcotics and a firearm. Deputies also allege Melendez threatened the woman with a knife and tried to talk her out of cooperating with law enforcement.
What The Charges Mean
Monterey County prosecutors have booked Melendez on multiple felony counts, including attempted murder, human trafficking, corporal injury on a cohabitant, pimping, pandering, possession of controlled substances while armed, false imprisonment with a firearm and criminal threats.
Human trafficking is a felony under California law. The statutory definition can be found in Penal Code 236.1. Pimping and pandering are separate offenses with their own penalties and are laid out in Penal Code 266h.
Investigation And How To Help
The Monterey County Sheriff's Office says the investigation is still active and that there is a "strong possibility" there may be additional victims connected to the case. Detectives are asking anyone who may have information, including video or photos, to reach out.
Tips can be submitted anonymously through the sheriff's tip line and resources portal at the Monterey County Sheriff's Office tip page.
