Turlock police rescue alleged juvenile human trafficking victim, arrest suspect
Investigators with the Turlock Police Department rescued a juvenile and arrested a suspect Thursday in an alleged human trafficking case, according to a news release.
The Santa Clara Police Department reached out Wednesday to Turlock’s Special Investigations Unit and notified investigators of a possible human trafficking victim in the area. A missing person report had been filed, and the juvenile was considered to be high risk, authorities said.
After searching for two days, investigators located and safely rescued the juvenile in the 100 block of North Tully Road. The juvenile was released to Child Protective Services with arrangements to return home.
During the rescue, additional evidence was found to support allegations the juvenile was being trafficked, police said.
Investigators then interviewed and arrested 22-year-old Angelo Gabriel Fuentes of Hayward in connection with the case. He faces preliminary charges including human trafficking, child cruelty, furnishing marijuana to a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The Turlock Police Department asks for anyone with information on this incident to call Investigator Monica Maschal at 209-664-7347, call the Police Department’s tip line at 209-668-5550, ext. 6780, or email tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
The department also said anyone who believes someone is a victim of human trafficking should contact local police or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888, by text at 233733, TTY: 711, or https://humantraffickinghotline.org.
This story was originally published October 9, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
