RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Two suspects were arrested in connection with a human trafficking case that emerged after two teen girls ran away from a group home earlier this year.
Riverside police began investigating in May when they received reports that two teen girls had fled a local group home. Detectives soon uncovered that the teens had likely become victims of human trafficking and were coerced into prostitution in the Los Angeles area. Both girls were eventually located and safely returned to the group home.
The ongoing investigation led authorities to identify two suspects believed to have exploited the teens.
On July 26, Bonnie Edney Fingerson, 23, was arrested in Santa Clara County. She faces charges including human trafficking of a minor, enticing a minor into prostitution, pimping a minor under 16, and aiding a prostitute. She is currently held on $85,000 bail.
Three days later, Michael Jay Johnson, 28, of Los Angeles, was also arrested. He faces multiple charges: human trafficking of a minor, pimping a minor under 16, lewd and lascivious acts with a child, felon in possession of a firearm, and parole violation. Johnson, a known gang member who was already on parole for pimping a minor, is being held on $200,000 bail.
“The reality is that when teens run away, they face immediate and serious risks,” said Lt. Matt Lackey of the Riverside Police Department. “Within hours, they can become targets for predators, fall victim to human trafficking, or be subjected to other violent crimes.”
Authorities are urging parents and guardians to report runaway youth promptly and work with law enforcement to protect vulnerable teens from exploitation.
