Even a decade ago, federal and state criminal cases involving sex trafficking seemed few and far between.  However, in the last few years, as a federal criminal defense attorney, in Southern California, and as a female sex crimes attorney, I represent more and more people accused of federal sex trafficking and similar type offenses.

A large FBI operation was apparently being conducted last week January 24th and January 25th in Riverside, Hemet, and Ontario which led to the arrest of numerous defendants for pandering, pimping, prostitution, and sex trafficking.

The FBI sting operation was put together by the Inland Empire Child Exploitation and Prostitution Task Force.  Interestingly enough, it appears that this case will be turned over to the local District Attorney’s Office for state prosecution rather than the Assistant United State Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  Often in sec trafficking cases, the alleged victims have crossed state or international lines which would therefore give the federal government jurisdiction to prosecute the case.  In the instant case, the alleged sex crimes appear to be limited geographically within San Bernadino and Riverside which would therefore allow the state to prosecute the case.

Whether prosecuted in state or federal court, anyone accused of sex trafficking charges will be fighting an uphill court battle and is dealing with very serious penalties which include mandatory sex registration for life and/or substantial state prison time or a mandatory minimum prison sentence in federal prison.