Full Notification

DATE/TIME: July 10, 2018/3:00 PM
 
INCIDENT:    Pimping, Pandering and Human Trafficking of a Minor
           
LOCATION:   US-395 near the I-15 intersection, Hesperia
 
SUSPECT:    Nikolas Caver, 18 years old, resident of Adelanto
 
VICTIM(S):    #1- Confidential, 15-year-old female
                     #2-  Confidential, 14-year-old female
 
 
SUMMARY: On July 10, 2018, at about 4:00 a.m., Investigators from the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force responded to assist Sheriff's deputies from the Hesperia Station, who were out with a 15-year-old female (Victim #1), who reported she was the victim of Human Trafficking and needed assistance. During the initial contact with the Hesperia deputies, Victim #1 described being brought to the truck stop parking lot, along with Victim #2, by the suspect and being directed by him to prostitute herself at the location. Victim #1 refused and was left at the location by the suspect. She described the suspect to the deputies and identified him only as "Nikko". V #1 also told deputies, V#2 had participated in prostitution while at the truck stop at the direction of the suspect and V#2 was still with him. It was later discovered by deputies, both victims were listed as runaways from within San Bernardino County.
 
Task Force investigators met with the deputy and Victim #1, and assumed investigation. Through additional investigation, Task Force members were able to positively identify the suspect as Nikolas Caver of Adelanto. It was also determined he was on Felony Probation. With the assistance of officers from the San Bernardino County Probation office, investigators went to contact Caver at his residence. Shortly after arriving, investigators noticed subjects fitting the description of Caver and Victim #2 leaving the area in a dark colored SUV. They initiated an enforcement stop upon the vehicle, detaining Caver and Victim #2 without incident. Both were transported to the Adelanto Sheriff's Station for additional interview/investigation.
 
During the investigation, investigators discovered information supporting the allegations of Victim #1, as well as other evidence indicating Caver was involved in the Pimping and Pandering of both victims. He was transported and booked at the High Desert Detention Center for Felony violations of Pimping, Pandering and Human Trafficking of Minors, with bail set at $150,000. Additionally, Caver was booked for a Probation Violation with a no bail status.  Both victims were rescued, offered assistance and transported/booked at the High Desert Juvenile Detention Center for warrants related to their runaway status.
 
The San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force is made up of investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office, San Bernardino Police Department, Ontario Police Department, San Bernardino Unified School District Police, California State Parole, Office of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
 
This 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.
 
 
Refer:             Deputy S. Swanson
 
Station:          San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force
 
Phone No.     (909) 387-8400
 
Case No.       621800191
 
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department