On Wednesday, October 6th, 2021, the Turlock Police Department became aware of a possible juvenile human trafficking victim that was believed to be frequenting the Turlock area. The juvenile was considered to be at high risk based on the circumstances in the missing person report.
Officers with the department’s Special Investigations Unit immediately began collaborating with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office in an attempt to locate the victim.
The following day, on Thursday, October 7th, 2021, officers were able to locate the victim in the 100 block of N Tully Rd, Turlock, and rescue them. Officers were also able to arrest the suspect, Angelo Gabriel Fuentes, 22, of Hayward.
The victim was released to Child Protective Services and arrangements are being made to return them back home. Fuentes was booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of human trafficking, child abuse, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and contributing to the delinquency of a child.
The investigation remains on-going. Anyone with information that could assist in the investigation is encouraged to call Officer Monica Maschal at 209-664-7347.
