Escort Agency Operator Arrested on Suspicion of Human Trafficking

Sheriff's investigators urged people to contact them Wednesday if they were victimized by a Norwalk escort agency owner/operator arrested on suspicion of human trafficking.

Omar Sanchez, 37, of Lakewood was arrested after investigators served warrants on April 7 at his home and at the "Bombshells" agency in the 13700 block of Studebaker Road, the sheriff's department reported.

Sanchez was booked on suspicion of human trafficking, rape and weapons violations following a six-month investigation was conducted by personnel from the L.A. Regional Human Trafficking Task Force.

He was released after posting a $420,000 bond, and is scheduled to be arraigned April 28 in Norwalk.

"Mr. Sanchez victimized some of the women who worked at the agency and sold their sexual services for money," alleged California Highway Patrol Detective Kerri Rivas, the lead investigator on the case.

"We are also investigating the abuse of underage girls who he employed as escorts,'' Rivas said.

The business used the website "Backpage.com" to advertise the women and the services, Rivas said.

Anyone who was allegedly victimized by Sanchez or who has information on the case was urged to call investigators at 323-526-5156, or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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