A Los Angeles man has been arrested on suspicion of human trafficking involving a juvenile victim from Ventura County, authorities said.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Bryan Jessie Garcia, 23. Deputies were first alerted to the case in December 2025 after receiving a report of a missing juvenile. Investigators later gathered evidence indicating the victim was being sexually trafficked in Los Angeles.
Following an extensive investigation, detectives identified Garcia as the alleged trafficker. Authorities said Garcia communicated with the juvenile through social media, where he is accused of grooming the victim and gaining their trust.
Investigators said Garcia allegedly persuaded the juvenile to leave home and travel to the Figueroa Street corridor in Los Angeles, an area widely known for sex trafficking activity.
“Garcia utilized online messaging to build rapport with the juvenile through consistent communication, flattery, and emotional manipulation,” the sheriff’s department said. “Over time, he normalized criminal behavior, offered perceived support, and exploited the juvenile’s vulnerabilities to create dependency and control.”
On January 23, 2026, detectives located and arrested Garcia near the Figueroa Street corridor. Authorities also executed a search warrant at his Los Angeles residence.
Garcia was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on charges including human trafficking of a minor, unlawful sexual intercourse, and forcible lewd acts upon a child. He is being held on $1 million bail.
Officials did not release additional details, including the victim’s age or identity, to protect the juvenile.
Detectives urged anyone who believes they may be a victim of human trafficking—or who knows someone who may be—to contact 211 or local law enforcement to be connected with support services.
