Full Notification

DATE/TIME: October 8, 2020
 
INCIDENT: Two 17-year old Juvenile Human Trafficking Victims Rescued
 
LOCATION: 1800 Block of E. G St., Ontario
 
SUSPECT(S): Brandon McDonald, 24-year old resident of Rialto
 
VICTIM(S): Confidential-Two 17-year old female juveniles from San Bernardino County
 
 
SUMMARY: On July 31, 2020, the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force received information two juvenile females were possible victims of Human Trafficking. Investigators worked to locate the minor victims and identify any other subjects with them. During the course of the investigation, one of the missing juveniles was located and placed with family members.  The Task Force members continued to conduct surveillence and located the second juvenile near the area of Vineyard Ave and Holt Blvd in the City of Ontario.  Investigators observed the juvenile with Brandon McDonald and made contact with them, both subjects were positively identified.  
 
Believing McDonald was possibly involved in exploiting the victim, investigators assisted by uniformed Ontario Police Officers, detained and questioned him. He and the victim were transported to the Ontario Police Department for an additional interview.  The victim was rescued, provided access to services and support organizations, and then safely released to family members.  McDonald was taken into custody and booked at West Valley Detention Center for his Probation Violation.
 
During subsequent interviews with McDonald, the victims, and additional evidence, investigators discovered information supporting McDonald's involvement in the commercialized sexual exploitation of the juvenile victims.  On October 8, 2020, Brandon McDonald was charged with Felony Human Trafficking of a Minor. He is currently being held on $200,000 bail, and was found to be on probation for a previous convictim of Pandering by Procurring.
 
The San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force is made up of investigators from the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, Redlands Police Department, 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:                     Detective Elyzabeth Green
 
Station:                  San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force
 
Phone No.             (909) 387-8400
 
Case No.                622000265
 
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department