Human Trafficking Task Force Participates in Operation Reclaim and Rebuild

From January 24 through January 26, 2019, members of the Tulare County Human Trafficking Task Force executed multiple sting operations in Visalia, Tulare, and Porterville in an attempt to identify and rescue victims of human trafficking. As a result of the operation, law enforcement arrested five individuals for prostitution and a further five for solicitation.

The sting was part of a statewide law enforcement human trafficking effort named Operation Reclaim and Rebuild.

Participants of the Tulare County stings included officers and investigators from the Tulare CountyDistrict Attorney’s Office, the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, the Visalia Police Department, the TularePolice Department, and the Porterville Police Department. Family Services of Tulare County provided victim assistance.

“This operation was a great example of the collaboration that the Task Force has worked hard to establish in our county,” said Task Force Chair and Supervising Tulare County Deputy District Attorney Melissa Chabra. “We greatly appreciate the efforts of our partners as we work together to raise awareness and identify victims of this terrible crime.”

The Tulare County Human Trafficking Task Force was established in 2014 to bring law enforcement and community stakeholders together to identify victims of all forms of trafficking, deliver services to those victims, and lead to the successful investigation and prosecution of traffickers. In 2016, the Task Force began receiving funding from the United States Department of Justice to continue its mission of investigation, prosecution, victim service, and awareness.

Media inquiries can be directed to Task Force Chair and Supervising Deputy District Attorney Melissa Chabra at (559) 636-5494