Two 17-year-old Girls Rescued in California from Alleged Human Trafficking Attempt; Family Friends aka “Street Parents” Arrested for Forcing Girls into Prostitution
A husband and wife have been arrested in North Highlands for allegedly engaging in sex trafficking involving two 17-year-old girls, according to authorities.
John Cheso, 46, and Shannon Powell, 35, have upcoming court appearances this week. Powell is scheduled for Tuesday, while Cheso is set to appear on Wednesday. Cheso is currently being held on a bail of $2 million, while Powell’s bail has been set at $1 million.
A young sex trafficking victim was rescued by a deputy near Watt Avenue and Winona Way on Sunday, according to the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office. Later that evening, the deputy revisited the location and observed the presence of two individuals, both aged 17, who were standing close to a vehicle while attired in lingerie.
According to the sheriff’s office, the two teenagers claimed to be victims of sex trafficking and identified Cheso and Powell as their “street parents,” who they considered to be family friends.
Cheso and Powell were swiftly apprehended and taken into custody. The sheriff’s office has expressed concern that there may be more victims involved and is urging anyone with information about the pair to come forward and contact the authorities.
CBS News reported that the sheriff’s office did not provide any information about the potential connection between the girl found earlier in the day and the couple.
