Orange County

27-Year-Old Fullerton Man Arrested on Suspicion of Human Trafficking

"It is believed that Shen is part of a larger human trafficking organization"

A 27-year-old Fullerton man was arrested for suspicion of human trafficking, authorities said Saturday.

Fullerton police received an anonymous tip at 8:36 p.m. Friday that a woman was possibly being held against her will in an apartment in the area of Malden and Santa Fe avenues, Fullerton Police Sgt. Jon Radus said. "They went on to say they believed the female was the victim of a possible human trafficking/prostitution ring and that her 'boss,' who was armed with a handgun, would not allow her to leave," he said.

Detectives went to the area and began surveillance, Radus said. They identified a man they believed to be part of the possible human trafficking organization.

Police detained the man after he left the apartment. They found two women inside and further investigation revealed they were victims of human trafficking and prostitution, the sergeant said.

Zhentao Shen was arrested for suspicion of pimping and pandering, Radus said. "It is believed that Shen is part of a larger human trafficking organization and the investigation is ongoing." 

Shen remained in the Orange County Sheriff's Intake Release Center in lieu of $35,000 bail, with a Monday appearance scheduled in Central Jail Court, according to inmate records.

Fullerton police immediately began providing counseling services for the two women, he said.

Anyone with information about the crime was asked to call police, or visit the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force website at www.ochumantrafficking.com.

Copyright CNS - City News Service
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