On Wednesday, December 23, 2020, officers from the Bakersfield Police Department were alerted to the possible human trafficking of a 17-year old victim within the City of
Bakersfield. Detectives were able to identify the suspect and obtained a warrant for her arrest. The victim was safely recovered.

On Friday, January 15, 2021, with the assistance of the Fresno MAGEC (Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium) Javonna Lewis (22) of Fresno was located and arrested. Lewis was booked into the Kern County Jail for Torture, Kidnap, Human Trafficking with Force, Human Trafficking of a Minor, Pandering of a Minor, Penetration with a Foreign Object with Force.

The victim has been reunited with family members. The investigation is on-going and Detectives are working to identify all suspects involved. Anyone with information
regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective J. Montgomery at (661) 326-3870 or the Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.

January, 2021 has been proclaimed National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The Bakersfield Police Department joins with law enforcement partners around the nation to bring awareness to, and eradicate the indignities created by these disturbing acts, and to pursue all who victimize those they prey upon. The public is encouraged to stand against human trafficking and report any suspected related activity to law enforcement.