VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. – A months-long investigation into intercourse and labor trafficking at a number of therapeutic massage parlors and skincare companies in Ventura County resulted within the arrests of a number of members of the identical household who operated the alleged brothels.
In keeping with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Workplace, an investigation revealed the suspects who operated the companies in Oxnard and Port Hueneme have been members of the family residing in Oxnard who focused Mexican girls from “underprivileged backgrounds” to work in these illicit companies, a few of whom have been residing in Southern California.
Moreover, the suspects used third events to recruit girls to work in these unlawful companies, investigators stated. As soon as recruited, intercourse adverts have been positioned on the web describing costs, kind of sexual encounters accessible, and the companies the place the ladies have been working. Investigators stated the adverts have been up to date day by day and the trafficked girls have been rotated among the many companies owned by the suspects.
Officers stated the suspects have been additionally concerned in narcotics trafficking.
The husband-and-wife group Ira and Erika Malarowitz operated the group whereas the members of the family acted as center administration between the brothels, investigators stated.
In whole, the next 5 folks have been arrested: Ira Malarowitz, Erika Malsrowitz, Alma Monarrez-Diaz, Melesio Monarrez-Diaz, and Justin Malarowitz.
Search warrants have been served on the suspected brothels on Aug. 19, officers stated, and a number of other trafficking victims have been situated, together with massive sums of money, suspected methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, marijuana, and two ghost weapons.
The next eight suspected brothels have been raided: Magic Remedy, Mission Spa, Souly Foot Therapeutic massage, Sunshine Remedy, Burrito Specific, 4200 block of Dallas Drive, 4300 block of Dallas Drive, and 600 block of Lazaro Lane. All companies have been situated in Oxnard, apart from Burrito Specific in Port Hueneme.
Felony proceedings are underway by the US Lawyer’s Workplace.
This was a multi-agency effort involving the Ventura County Human Trafficking Process Power, which is made up of members from a number of native departments together with Oxnard, Ventura, santa Paula, and Simi Valley police departments, California Freeway Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of investigation.
Detectives encourage victims to contact “211” or native regulation enforcement when you imagine you might be sufferer or know a sufferer of human trafficking to be linked with companies.
