Full Notification

DATE/TIME: October 2, 2019/4:30pm
 
INCIDENT:    Pandering of an Adult
 
LOCATION: Sierra Avenue & Valley Blvd, Fontana
 
SUSPECT:    Antonio Ray Castaneda, 23 years old, resident of Rialto
 
VICTIM:          Confidential – 21-year-old female
 
SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, October 2, 2019, the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force conducted an “Escort Advertisement” operation. The operation is part of an ongoing effort through heavy presence and enforcement to suppress Human Trafficking throughout the communities of San Bernardino County, by contacting subjects who post on-line, advertising sexual acts for monetary gain.   During the operation, undercover officers pose as sex buyers and contact subjects through the advertisements. On-line advertisements are more often used as a means for the commercialized trafficking of underaged victims in the sex trade. During the operation, undercover officers contacted the victim who was actively working as a prostitute.  During contact with the victim, investigators noticed the suspect, later identified as Antonio Castaneda, in the area and initiated contact with him. During contact with Castaneda, investigators found items in his possession, putting him in violation of his felony probation status. Investigators contacted San Bernardino County Probation and a hold was placed on Castaneda. 
 
As the investigation continued, evidence was located confirming the victim was actively involved in prostitution and Castaneda was aiding her in the process.  Both were transported to Fontana Sheriff's Station for additional interviews. Upon completing the interviews, Castaneda was booked at Central Detention Center on the Probation Hold and felony charges of Pandering were later filed.  He is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail. The victim was rescued and provided access to services prior to being safely released to her family.
 
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, Redlands Police Department, Ontario Police Department, California State Parole, Office of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 
 
Refer:             Det. E. Green/Dep. G. Deloria
 
Station:          San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force
 
Phone No.     (909) 387-8400
 
Case No.       621900278
 
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department