Photo: Aaron James Vaughan and Victor Demetrus Wilkins
SAN BERNARDINO – SBPD Officers detained a 17-year-old female actively involved in prostitution downtown near 6th and G Streets. This occurred on Monday June 4 at 10:30 pm. The Human Trafficking Task Force became involved when officers believed she was a victim of human trafficking.
Subsequently, HTTF investigators announced yesterday the victim’s recent travels. She had been transported to Oakland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Bernardino. The HTTF said, ” During that time, she worked as a prostitute and gave all of the money she earned to them.”
Further interviews led investigators to more possibly trafficked victims, including a juvenile.
Investigators positively identified the suspects as Victor Demetrus Wilkins (34) of Antioch, and Aaron James Vaughan (33) of Fairfield.
The two have prior arrests for related charges. Due to Vaughan’s prior conviction for Human Trafficking, he was on active Solano County Probation, plus Federal Probation.
Consequently, additional Task Force members followed the trail to a downtown motel. Spotting the suspects’ vehicle, law enforcement discovered the suspects in two of the rooms. Officers forced entry when Wilkins attempted to barricade himself in his room.
A station-house interview led to a booking at Central Detention Center for Felony Pimping, Pandering and Human Trafficking of a Minor. Each suspect has a $500,000 bail.
All victims’ names remain confidential.
Investigators believe there are other unidentified victims related to this urgent and ongoing case.
Contact the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force at (909) 387-8400. To remain anonymous, contact We-Tip 1-888-78-CRIME. You can also leave information at the WE-Tip Hotline, www.wetip.com
