Kern County, California – In a decisive blow against human trafficking and child exploitation, law enforcement agencies collaborated in a four-day undercover operation, code-named “Operation Bad Barbie,” from August 9 to August 12, 2023. The operation, led by a multi-agency task force, resulted in the arrest of 23 individuals, including two victims, sending a resounding message to predators seeking to exploit vulnerable children.
At a press conference, Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer emphasized the joint efforts that culminated in the operation’s success. “We came together and arrested predators who are out there looking to have a sexual relationship with a child,” said District Attorney Zimmer. This collaborative effort involved a convergence of local, state, and federal agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the FBI, and the Secret Service, among others.
The operation’s scope was vast, targeting various aspects of human trafficking and child exploitation. The charges against the arrested individuals spanned a range of offenses, including Human Trafficking, Pimping, Pandering, Sending Harmful Material to Seduce a Minor, Arranging a Meeting with a Minor for Lewd Purpose, Contact with a Minor with Intent to Commit Sexual Offense, Abduction to Live in an Illicit Relationship, and Possession of Child Pornography.
Among those apprehended were Salvador Salcedo (56), Daniel Hernandez (36), Diego Gonzalez (36), Jose Trejo (33), Jasvinder Singh (35), Joginder Singh (54), Ronnie Germaine Wiley (30), Alberto Rodriguez (23), Antonio Romero Jr. (30), William Alfredo Perez Sandoval (26), Mynor Velasquez (38), Rolando Lopez (23), Rajinder Pal Singh (54), Michael Peter Muratalla (43), Nishan Singh (33), Eli Robert Wilson (29), Rickie Travon Walker (40), Devon Paul Taylor (31), Joshua Jermira Johnson (38), Karnail Singh (44), and Christopher Lee Grinner (36).
Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer lauded the operation’s success as a testament to law enforcement’s dedication to combating these heinous crimes. “Maintaining a strong law enforcement presence in social media dating apps, and physical locations where human trafficking is known to occur is an important element of suppressing human trafficking,” she stated.
Bakersfield Police Department Chief Greg Terry echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of such operations in ensuring the safety of children and families within the community. “Even though it is largely hidden from view, human trafficking occurs in our community. There is no typical victim, but they are often our most vulnerable community members,” Chief Terry emphasized.
Homeland Security Investigations Central Valley HSI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Ciapas provided further insight into the operation’s significance. “HSI special agents worked tirelessly to protect children from exploitation by predators who are involved in the production, distribution, and possession of child pornography and who travel to engage illicit sexual conduct with minors,” Assistant Special Agent Ciapas emphasized.
Operation Bad Barbie serves as a powerful reminder that the fight against human trafficking and child exploitation remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies, and its success underscores their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of our society’s most vulnerable members.
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