SAN BERNARDINO – A 24-year-old Colton man was arrested for pimping a 16-year-old girl on Sunday night.
Brandon Avery was arrested after a confidential 16-year-old was found working as a prostitute on the corner of Spruce and G Streets in the City of San Bernardino.The San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force responded to assist in the investigation into this incident, which occurred in an area known for prostitution activity. The officers made contact with the female, interviewed her and contacted Child Protective Services, who picked her up. During transport, the female victim ran from the vehicle while it was stopped and after an area search conducted by officers, the girl was located at the Golden Star Inn in the 600 block of 5th Street.
Inside the room, officers located Avery, who was in possession of $1400 in cash, illegal prescription medication, condoms, and other items consistent with prostitution. Through further inspection for evidence, an advertisement with the female victim’s picture was found online. “Investigators determined Avery to be managing the victim’s advertisement and had rented the room for the victim to work as a prostitute,” said San Bernardino Sheriff’s officials.
The victim was taken to a safe location where she will receive services. Avery was booked into the Central Detention Center for Felony Human Trafficking of a minor, pimping and pandering of a minor, and is being held in lieu of $150,000 bail. The investigation is ongoing.
Investigators believe there are other unidentified victims related to this case and are asking that anyone with information related to this investigation, please contact the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force at (909)387-8400. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME or you may leave information on the WE-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.
