BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A 17-year-old victim of human trafficking was rescued in a multi-agency law enforcement investigation led by the Bakersfield Police Department (BPD), culminating in the arrest of a 19-year-old suspect last week.
The operation, which began on March 28, 2025, involved several agencies, including BPD, the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Kern County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, Cal DOJ, Kern County Probation, United States Secret Service, and the Kern County District Attorney’s Office. The aim was to target individuals involved in human trafficking, particularly those profiting from exploiting victims.
As part of the operation, BPD VICE detectives successfully rescued the 17-year-old trafficking victim. Owens Longmire, 19, was arrested on April 18, 2025, after being found by BPD’s Special Enforcement Unit. He was allegedly in possession of a firearm at the time of his arrest.
Longmire now faces charges related to human trafficking, weapons violations, and gang involvement.
Anyone who suspects or knows of a victim of human trafficking is encouraged to contact local law enforcement immediately. The National Human Trafficking Hotline can also be reached at (888) 373-7888.
