“A team of law enforcement professionals from various State agencies worked together with their federal and local partners to facilitate this investigation and the arrests of these four suspects.  This contributes to public safety, quality of life, and the potential rescue of those being trafficked.”

CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SACRAMENTO – On February 14, 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the arrests and filing of felony charges against four individuals for allegedly operating two residential brothels in Sacramento County, laundering money, conspiracy, and tax evasion. 

An extensive investigation was conducted by special agents from the California Department of Justice (DOJ)’s Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Team and White-Collar Investigation Team, with support from the newly formed Sacramento Regional Human Trafficking Task Force. Assistance was also provided by the Bureau of Gambling Control, the United States Department of State, the United States Department of Homeland Security, Sacramento County Code Enforcement, the California Franchise Tax Board, and the Employment Development Department through the TRUE Task Force.

“Every single day, our dedicated prosecutors and special agents strive to protect the most vulnerable Californians from exploitation. This case is an example of the California Department of Justice’s continued dedication to dismantling these criminal networks and standing with survivors on their path to recovery and justice,” said Attorney General Bonta. “I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners who played a crucial role in achieving this significant outcome.”

“By working closely with our law enforcement partners, we have taken down a dangerous operation that exploited individuals to simply line their pockets,” said HSI San Francisco Special Agent in Charge Tatum King.

The suspects allegedly ran two residential brothels from April 2022 until February 13, 2025, utilizing homes in residential areas. They allegedly recruited women to engage in commercial sex at these locations, promoted their prostitution services on various websites, and collected payments from clients who visited to buy sexual services.

The case will be prosecuted by DOJ’s Special Prosecutions Section. Charges against the suspects include conspiracy, pimping, pandering, money laundering, tax evasion, mortgage fraud and criminal profiteering.

It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

A copy of the complaint can be found here.