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California Woman Arrested, Charged With Involvement to Sex Trafficking Ring

2 mins read

California Attorney Rob Bonta announced the conviction and sentencing of Jing Chiang Huang today for her alleged involvement in an organized crime sex trafficking ring that operated across the state.

The California Department of Justice, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, California Franchise Tax Board, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and other local enforcement agencies contributed to the investigation of the crime. They are now holding Huang accountable for her role in the sex trafficking ring.

Sex Trafficking Ring

“Plain and simple: Trafficking young Asian women for sex is criminal. It’s also part of a long history of objectification in this country that has been part and parcel of the anti-Asian violence we’ve seen across the United States. That’s why I’m grateful to our partners in law enforcement across California whose investigative efforts helped make this case happen,” Bonta said.

The attorney general said it is one of his core strategies in protecting the residents of California by working together with other law enforcement agencies.

The Office of the Attorney General initially filed charges against Huang and several other defendants on June 26, 2019, for more than a dozen felonies that they believe were done between 2015 and 2019. The crimes involved sex trafficking of multiple victims, tax fraud, and money laundering.

Authorities conducted multiple takedown operations which later resulted in the arrest of Huang and other suspects. They were also able to rescue more than a dozen potential victims of the sex trafficking ring.

Officials said the suspects use Backpage.com to advertise their victims and forced them to commit sexual acts at multiple brothel locations. They said the suspects also confiscated the passport of at least one victim and threatened their future job opportunities, the Office of the Attorney General reported.

Huang pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit human trafficking, three counts of income tax evasion, and one count of money laundering on January 16, 2020. Officials sentenced the suspect to 10 years and eight months in state prison for the crimes. Authorities also required Huang to pay $557,391 in restitution to the California Franchise Tax Board.

Danielle Joyce Ong

Danielle is a local journalist with a passion for exploring stories related to crime and politics. When Danielle isn't busy writing or reading, she is usually exploring the great outdoors and all the hiking trails in the Bay.