“When an operation targeting human trafficking results in 46 arrests and support services for as many as 20 potential victims, that is a success.  Human trafficking and sexual exploitation cause damage that can last for years, if not a lifetime.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SAN DIEGO– On April 3, 2024, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the results of Operation Better Pathways, a joint investigation through the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF).

The multi-jurisdictional operation worked to combat human trafficking and sexual exploitation through targeted enforcement, relying both on surveillance of known locations and officers working undercover. 

As a result of the multi-day operation, 46 people were arrested for alleged human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other criminal offenses and 20 individuals — including seven children — were offered support services.

The arrests were referred to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California for potential criminal prosecution.

“Human trafficking and sexual exploitation destroy lives,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta.“Through Operation Better Pathways, we’re fighting to hold perpetrators accountable and help survivors with support and services.”

During the operation, law enforcement personnel conducted surveillance of areas known for sexual exploitation in San Diego and National City, utilizing various investigative techniques to directly identify and stop alleged human trafficking and sexual exploitation in real time.

Simultaneously, law enforcement went after sex buyers by posing as individuals offering sex for sale at those same locations. Sex buyers were then generally directed to an alternate location and arrested. Among other alleged violations, arrests during the operation ranged from human trafficking of a minor to assault with a deadly weapon. 

Operation Better Pathways began on March 5 and was carried out intermittently over a period of multiple days through March 27. As part of the effort, San Diego County Child Welfare Services and adult and juvenile support service advocates were on scene to provide assistance as needed. All of the potential victims and survivors were offered access to resources and supportive services.

SDHTTF is a cooperative effort involving the California Department of Justice, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, National City Police Department, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Probation Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, San Diego Police Department, Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.