Prostitution ring controlled from prison was 'modern-day slavery,' prosecutor says

 

Federal, state and Oceanside-area officials say they have broken up a highly sophisticated prostitution ring that was run from prison and preyed on teenage runaways and those from broken homes.

The prostitution ring is "a form of modern-day slavery to which every available law enforcement resource will be applied," said U.S. Atty. Laura Duffy.

In all, 38 people were charged, the result of an 18-month undercover investigation called Operation Vice Grip, Duffy said.

The ring was organized by a street gang known as the Oceanside Crips and, since 2005, has used a Travelodge motel in Oceanside for purposes of prostitution, officials said. The ring was controlled from prison cells by gang members incarcerated on other charges.

Among those indicted were the owners and operators of the Travelodge, Vinod Patel, 60, and Hitesh Patel, 27. The motel is being seized by authorities.

Other low-cost motels in northern San Diego County were also used, officials said. Pimps "focused on vulnerable juvenile females who were runaways or from broken homes," according to the indictment.

Social-networking websites including MySpace, Facebook and Twitter were used to lure girls into prostitution, officials said. The girls were then provided alcohol and drugs "to manipulate their loyalty and increase productivity," according to the indictment.

RELATED:

38 indicted in prostitution ring in northern San Diego County

-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Comments

[Mark]

And exactly HOW was this ring controlled by prisoners? Oh yeah! The prison guards furnish them with cell phones! Aren't these the same guards who just got their cap on accrued vacation days lifted by Governor Brown??? Way to go, Jerry! The corrupt prison union -- which is obviously contributing to and supporting illegal prostitution activity -- was just given another sweetheart retirement deal, courtesy of your corrupt arse. No wonder CA is going to hell in a handcart........

[edward99]

One more reason to legalize prostitution. The USA is one of the few major countries where it's illegal. Most of Europe, Asia and Canada have long ago legalized prostitution. It would rid the country of people taking advantage and enslaving women. When you think about it, making prostitution illegal actually hurts women, always has. It strips them of their ability to control their own body and right to work in any field they see fit. On top of that, what right does the country have to control the actions of two consenting adults. If you legalize prostitution, you can rid it of underage participants and those doing so against their will. There is a reason it's the worlds oldest profession.

[alan hart]

They couldn't run anything from prison without cell phones. But, our prison guards are making too much money from prisoners bringing in and selling cell phones. The criminals are the ones in the uniforms.

[paul]

Spot on Mark. As soon as we rid ourselves of corrupt government officials and elect some people with a long background of ethical behavior, then we might be able to begin a system that helps the citizens rather than the one that's in place now.

[insp]

This is the produce of the prisoners guards union and Brown. They married each other for many years. The union spent so much money on Brown's election bid and now Brown paid them back with lavish contracts. And how do you call that? legal? Pay these bastards well and this is what they allow the prisoners do.

And remember about the cell phones? And what do you think the prisoners do with the cell phone? Where are the idiots who defend the right for cell phones for prisoners?

[Rita-of-Sunland]

@edward: I agree! Plus, as so far as jobs go, it's FUN...or so I hear tell (ahem).

[JN]

Legalize it...problem solved.

[insp]

Brown is not worry. Next thing he will know there will be another union to help him in his political career. The new union is the Free Cell Phone For Prostitutes union. For every John served, 15% will go to the union fund.

[swhitS]

Criminals in Washington are breeding criminals in the public sector. Same thing.

[CONRAD]

DIDN'T GRAY DAVIS ALSO GIVE THE PRISON GUARDS A LUCRATIVE CONTRACT?...HOW SOON THE DEMOCRATS FORGET WHAT HAPPENED TO HIM...

[Treese]

Nice justification, Edward. Also, you're incorrect about legalizing prostitution as a solution for underage girls being manipulated by parasitic men.

[Irene]

Ugh...to sad! Poor girls....thank god these jerks were busted!

[Manny]

First of all, all who believes that the Correctional Officers are the main source of the cell phone problem in the state correctional system is mis informed and need to stop watching prison movies and believing what the media puts out there! Yes, cellphones in prison is a problem and yes it is easy for cell phones to get introduced into the prison system. Cell phones are introduced by all types of sources. Inmate families throwing bundles (containing 20-30 cellphones) over the fences of correctional facilities are a huge issue and it happens on a regular basis. Inmates have there families mail it in leagal work that Officers can not search due to the inmates client/laywer confidentialality. Yes, Officers and Free staff have been caught brining in cellphones but to say that the Officers are the main source is just not right but that's what the media wants you to think.

[Just a thought]

Unless I missed something, I don't see anywhere in the article where there are mentions of prison guards, unions, cell phones, and Governor Brown.

@ Alan "They couldn't run anything from prison without cell phones." It makes me wonder how prisoners, pre-cell phone era, were able to run things from jail.

[1hoofhearted]

Okay, I read the article and then the comments. I am still trying to figure out how cell phones, prison guards and unions play into this at all. Maybe I am missing something but I doubt it. If you think for one second this is so overwhelming, you are wrong. Prison gangs in case you didn't know, have run the street gangs since the 50's when the Mexican Mafia did it. These inmates control the outside through generals on the streets. This is done through letters, prison phones and most importantly through orders given to those getting out of prison. It is not hard for them to control the streets this way. They are readily able to communicate with others in prison as well through letters. This information gets passed through visits as well. Maybe you forgot about those little old face to face meetings. I know it is easy to attack anyone in a union these days but at least have some information before you try and wax intellectual

[John]

In jolly old Londonistan it's called 'grooming'

[Bond]

criminals have been running things from inside prison walls waaaaaay before the use of cell phones...there are more ways to skin a cat than one might think...

now dismissing the cell phone answer...just sayin.

[hhabs]

The only thing Jerry B done so far is pay back to all union that have supported him. I hope he raise tax reward them union too!

[john]

Every one forgets, this a Navy town boys, it's always going to be that way...Keep our Sailors and Marines happy!!!!!

[WrathofGod]

Why is it we are reserving marriage for heterosexuals? Is the heterosexual orientation really so sacred and holy? Are heterosexuals really of higher moral character? Certainly couldn't tell it from this.

[Silhouette]

Those arrested should be made to work off the fines by being pimped in prison. Bubba collects the cigarettes, converts them to cash and gives the state it's portion. I figure 5 years of being buggered should just about take care of it...plus, it's always nice that the "bosses" know EVERY aspect of their business from the ground up.

[Olden Atwoody]

Shouldn't the guard that furnished the cell phone be charged with being an accessory, a felony?

That's one way to get the deadwood out.

[Former Wasco Inmate]

When I was at Wasco State Prison a few months ago, it was the guards and the free staff that supplied all of the phones to the inmates. When the lights went out in the dorm at night, all these blue lights would pop-up from the cell phones being used by the inmates in their bunks. And the guards? Asleep in their office with the lights out and the door locked. Your tax dollars at work!

[Richie]

To the person (Edward99) who claims that "Most of Europe, Asia and Canada have long ago legalized prostitution" I beg to differ. Please list the countries where you claim prostitution is legalized. I think with the exception of one or 2 places in Europe, you will find there aren't any. I can't think of one place in Asia. Canada has legal prostitution? Another new one.