Police officers in Long Beach rescued three teenage girls who were deemed to be victims of human trafficking, and placed a man under arrest, authorities confirmed.
According to the Long Beach Police Department, officers in the North Division were on patrol when they found a 14-year-old girl who appeared to be soliciting for sex work. After investigating, they determined that she was a victim of human trafficking.
Days later, on Jan. 20, officers performed a traffic stop on a vehicle containing two teenage girls and a male driver.
Officers identified the man as 37-year-old Huston Hughes, a Los Angeles resident. He was on active parole for pimping and a weapons violation.
The two teens inside the car, 16 and 17 years old, were also determined to be victims of human trafficking. Police allege that Hughes sexually battered one of them.
Hughes was arrested on suspicion of a parole violation and sexual battery with prior felony conviction. He’s currently being held in custody with bail set at no bail.
“I want to commend our officers for their service to our community, and for their exceptional work in addressing community safety concerns and rescuing these vulnerable individuals,” said Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. “Their efforts in investigating these cases and preventing further exploitation demonstrates the Long Beach Police Department’s commitment to keeping our city safe.”
The three teenage victims were later reunited with their families, police confirmed.
