3 human trafficking victims rescued in Long Beach, police say

Three teen girls believed to be human trafficking victims were rescued in Long Beach and a man on active parole for pimping is behind bars, according to police.

On Jan. 15, police observed a 14-year-old girl who appeared to be soliciting for commercial sex work in the area of Long Beach and Artesia boulevards. She was determined to be a victim of human trafficking, police said. 

Five days later on Jan. 20, officers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by 37-year-Huston Hughes of Los Angeles. 

During that traffic stop, officers noticed two girls later determined to be 16 and 17-years-old, inside. 

An investigation revealed Hughes was on active parole for pimping and a weapons violation, officials said. 

Both girls were victims of human trafficking and Hughes allegedly sexually battered one of the girls inside the vehicle, authorities said. 

Hughes was arrested for a parole violation and sexual battery with prior felony conviction. He is being held on no bail. 

All three girls have been reconnected with their families, according to authorities.

"I want to commend our officers for their service to our community, and for their exceptional work in addressing community safety concerns and rescuing these vulnerable individuals," said Chief of Police Wally Hebeish. "Their efforts in investigating these cases and preventing further exploitation demonstrates the Long Beach Police Department’s commitment to keeping our city safe."

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, there is help available. Talk to highly trained anti-trafficking advocates at the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888, or by texting 233733.

The Source: Information for this story is from the Long Beach Police Department.

Long BeachCrime and Public Safety