The Turlock Police Department's Special Investigations Unit took part in a multi-agency operation on human trafficking that resulted in the arrests of more than 60 individuals.

The operation, Reclaim and Rebuild, took place over Feb. 11 and 12 and was a collaboration of agencies around the state with the common goal of identifying those people involved in human trafficking and to rescue victims. The local operation was hosted by the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department. In addition to Turlock, the police departments in Newman, Oakdale and Modesto participated in the operation.

Over the course of the two-day operation, 63 subjects were arrested for various sexual human trafficking related offenses. Nine trafficked individuals were rescued and four guns were recovered.

Turlock SIU officers were responsible for 12 of these arrests. During this operation, nine trafficked individuals were rescued.

Of the investigations handled by Turlock SIU officers, they recovered two firearms and over two pounds of methamphetamine.

The individuals arrested by TPD in the 1800 block of Lander Avenue were: Clemente Menera, 38, of Turlock for engaging in prostitution; Efrain Alvarez Jr., 27, of Turlock for engaging in prostitution; Michael Dean, 42, of Turlock for engaging in prostitution and felony and misdemeanor warrants; Jarrel Benjamin, 33, of Sacramento for engaging in prostitution and possession and transporting narcotics; a 16-year-old boy from Modesto was arrested for engaging in prostitution; Darshaun Moore, 27, of Modesto for engaging in prostitution; and Derrick Abril, 31, of Merced for engaging in prostitution.

Arrested in the 1100 block of 9th Street in Turlock were: Luis Vasquez, 23, of Crows Landing for engaging in prostitution; Michael Mulder, 66, of Ripon for engaging in prostitution; Shilpesh Patel, 47, of Steamwood, Ill. for engaging in prostitution; Tara Romano, 42, of Sonora for engaging in prostitution; and Rafael Torres, 18, of Groveland for engaging in prostitution.

All of the adults arrested were transported and booked at the Stanislaus County Jail for their listed charges. The juvenile arrested was released on a citation to a parent.

If you believe someone is a victim of human trafficking, contact your local police department or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888, by text at 233733, TTY: 711, or https://humantraffickinghotline.org/

The Turlock Police Department Special Investigation Unit asks that anyone with information regarding these cases, or similar cases, to call Sgt. Joseph Rodriguez at (209) 668-6521. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.