By Gina Yarbrough
Lemon Grove, CA–In a recent undercover operation in East County, authorities arrested a man on suspicion of soliciting sex from a minor, authorities said.
An investigation by the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force was initiated following reports from the public about strange postings on utility poles in Lemon Grove. These postings advertised the “AZ24.CO” website, prompting law enforcement to take action. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, a key member of the task force, responded to the reports and launched a thorough investigation.
The postings claimed to sell various items and women’s clothing, and looking for partners to “cuddle” and “drink.” The website contained the same message with a phone number for text messages.
During an undercover operation on May 22, task force deputies and officers posed as a 16-year-old girl and answered the advertisement. They were solicited for sex acts by a man, later identified as 48-year-old Robert Owens. He arranged to meet with the decoy for sexual intercourse. When he arrived at the meeting location, Owens was arrested for soliciting a minor for sex.
The investigation is ongoing.
“The Sheriff’s Department and the HTTF would like to thank the public for bringing this case to our attention,” The Sheriff’s Office stated in a news release.
The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is seeking the assistance of the public to determine if anyone else has been victimized or seen these advertisements posted in other areas of the county. Call Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477, or visit Crime Stoppers website at www.sdcrimestoppers.org/anonymous-tip.
