Full Notification

MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
CITY of SAN MATEO POLICE DEPARTMENT
200 Franklin Parkway, San Mateo, CA 94403
www.cityofsanmateo.org

THIS IS A MEDIA RELEASE AND COMMUNITY ALERT REGARDING A RECENT ARREST BY THE SAN MATEO POLICE DEPARTMENT FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING

On June 30th, 2014 at 1:00 AM, SMPD Officers responded to a report of an assault at a hotel on North Bayshore Boulevard. The reporting party initially stated her friend had been beaten by her boyfriend. Additional investigation by responding officers determined that the female victim was actually beaten by a subject whom she identified as her “pimp”.

On the date and time of the incident, the victim realized that she was being victimized and exploited and attempted to call the front desk for emergency services. The suspect overheard her, became enraged and grabbed the victim by her hair, throwing her to the ground. The suspect then punched the suspect 2-3 times and forced her out of the motel room, throwing her personal items out of the room. The victim then ran down the stairs and asked for help.

The suspect was arrested at the scene by responding SMPD officers.

Further interview of the victim revealed she had met the suspect a couple of weeks ago. She stated she had prostituted herself 15-16 times in a variety of cities and counties throughout California. The victim further indicated that the suspect controlled her through fear, took her to areas she was unfamiliar with, and deprive her the use of her cell phone. The suspect would reportedly arrange many of the dates, and keep all the money. The victim was given only food and a place to sleep. Additionally the officers located a web page where the suspect had posted advertising the victim's sexual services.

The arrestee has been identified as:

Shayne Joshua Lusalah
Age 21
Resides in Fresno, CA

Lusalah was booked into San Mateo County Jail for 2361.(b) PC – Human Trafficking, 266(h)(A) PC – Pimping, 245(a)4 PC – Assault Likely to Cause Great Bodily Injury, and 594(b)(1) – Felony Vandalism.

As part of the San Mateo Police Department’s ongoing commitment to combat human trafficking, SMPD Officers provided support and referrals to the victim and will remain in contact with her throughout the judicial process. This is also in line with the new San Mateo County Chief’s and Sheriff Association Protocol for combating human trafficking which includes providing victim resources and services as well as educating staff within the hospitality industry to recognize the signs of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. As stated previously by Chief Susan Manheimer, “Human trafficking is modern-day slavery in which human beings are bought and sold for profit. Often compelled by force or fear, these victims need us to intervene and bring their traffickers to justice.”

This is an arrest by the San Mateo Police Department. Any further media inquiries should be made to the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office regarding this case. Any requests for a booking photo can be made to the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at [email protected]


CONTACT SMPD:
Arrests like this one are made every day and are often made possible thanks to the willingness of an observant witness to call SMPD about suspicious circumstances or crimes in progress. Please call SMPD right away via 911 if you see a crime or suspicious activity in progress.

SMPD Non-Emergency Line: 650-522-7700

Anyone with information on current investigations or ongoing crime trends is encouraged to contact the San Mateo Police Department:

SMPD Investigations Bureau: 522-7650
SMPD Secret Witness hotline: 522-7676
Anonymous Text to SMPD: 262-3473


WORK AS A TEAM AND PROTECT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Please help us make your neighborhood safer and take a stand against crime. Please report all criminal behavior, join a neighborhood watch program, and help anyone that might fall victim to a crime. If a Neighborhood Watch doesn’t exist on your block, you can start one with help from SMPD. For additional information about the City of San Mateo Neighborhood Watch Program, call SMPD Community Services at (650)522-7626 or visit our web www.cityofsanmateo.org. For more tips on how to celebrate a safe and happy 4th of July, see your Community Blog at www.sanmateopd.org.

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