Fresno suspect arrested for Pimping victim out of Newbury Park Motel

Ventura County Sheriff – Incident Press Release

On December 04, 2020, detectives conducted an undercover operation in Ventura County to rescue victims of sex trafficking and arrest their traffickers. Detectives gathered intelligence that a trafficker was using his victim to participate in prostitution out of a local hotel.

While conducting surveillance of the victim, Detectives were able to confirm the trafficker was in the area. A signed search warrant was executed on the hotel room and associated vehicle and evidence of pimping was established. The trafficker, who was identified as Reginald Worthy, was from Fresno. Detectives located cash and other items on Reginald Worthy, which showed human trafficking, was taking place.

Reginald Worthy was arrested for California Penal Code 266h (a) [Pimping] and was booked into the Pre-Trial Detention Facility. Investigators were able to conclude that Worthy was transporting and pimping the victim out of hotels in various areas of California. The victim was provided resources but was ultimately uncooperative and refused to accept services.

The Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force would like to make the public aware of some signs of human trafficking at hotels and motels. Traffickers often take advantage of the privacy and anonymity accessible through the hospitality industry. Hotels and motels can be especially attractive locations for all forms of trafficking. The type of signs might include “guests with minimal luggage and clothing” and “individuals who can’t speak freely or seem disoriented”.

There might be “guests who insist on little or no housekeeping,” or multiple people being escorted to a room one at a time. Familiarize yourself with more signs of human trafficking at polarisproject.org.

The Ventura County Coalition Against Human Trafficking along with the Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force continue to provide training to hotel employees about recognizing signs of human trafficking.

The Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force is a task force made up of members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ventura Police Department, Santa Paula Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department, Oxnard Police

The Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force is a task force made up of members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ventura Police Department, Santa Paula Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department, Oxnard Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, California Department of Justice, and several victim service providers. The primary mission of the task force is combatting the fight against sex and/or labor trafficking of humans within Ventura County. The Ventura County Task force works closely with surrounding cities and counties to fulfill our mission.

Detectives encourage victims to contact “211” or local law enforcement if you believe you are victim or know a victim of human trafficking to be connected with services.