Press Release
Thursday, May 20, 2021HUMAN TRAFFICKING VICTIM RESCUED - SUSPECT ARRESTED
On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, Investigators with the Turlock Police Department Special Investigations Unit (S.I.U.) received information of a possible juvenile human trafficking victim that was believed to be frequenting the local area.
S.I.U. Investigators began collaborating with local law enforcement agencies in an attempt to locate the juvenile. Through the course of the investigation, it was learned that the juvenile was in fact a victim of human trafficking and was later rescued.
On Wednesday, May 19, 2021, undercover S.I.U. Investigators were in communication with the victim and the suspect, later determined to be Javen Fres Novella, 19 years, resident of Fresno. Novella arrived with the victim, in his vehicle, at a mutually agreed upon location in the 1800 block of Lander Avenue for the purposes of prostitution. The victim was contacted by Investigators once she was safely away from Novella, while Novella was contacted as he waited in his vehicle.
Investigators on scene located additional evidence of the victim being trafficked by Novella. Novella was interviewed and arrested. He was transported and booked at the Stanislaus County Jail on charges of human trafficking, pandering a juvenile and pimping a juvenile.
Arrangements are being made to safely return the victim, who is not a local area resident, to her home.
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 asks that anyone with information regarding this on-going investigation to call Investigator Monica Maschal at (209) 664-7347. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.
The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.
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This information is being released by Turlock Police Department Sergeant Michael Parmley.
Any media requests should contact:
Sergeant Michael Parmley
Office of Professional Standards
Turlock Police Department
Office phone - (209) 664-7345
Email – mparmley@turlock.ca.us
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