Two 17-year old minors who were reportedly trafficked in Long Beach were recovered by Long Beach police this month and two suspects were arrested for trafficking them.
Police said both minors were discovered during separate undercover investigations at Long Beach motels that were conducted as part of a larger operation into commercial sex trafficking that took place from Feb. 5 to Feb. 9.
Long Beach resident William Givens was arrested for sex trafficking a minor after police discovered a 17-year-old on Feb. 6 who was reportedly being trafficked at a local motel in the 6200 block of E Pacific Coast Highway.
Los Angeles resident Ryan Culpepper was arrested for sex trafficking a minor after another 17-year-old was reportedly found being trafficked on Feb. 9 at a motel in the 2600 block of N Lakewood Boulevard.
Each of the suspected traffickers are being held on a $150,000 bail.
The Department of Children of Family Services assisted in the LBPD’s operation.
During the operation, LBPD came into contact with six adult commercial sex workers who were released on their own recognizance for soliciting prostitution.
Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is urged to call the Long Beach Police Department’s Vice Investigation Detail at 1-562-570-7219. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may submit a tip through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.