BPD Arrest Two Men and a Woman for Human Trafficking

BPD Arrest Two Men and a Woman for Human Trafficking

The Bakersfield Police Department has arrested three individuals for multiple counts of human trafficking in Bakersfield.

The full release can be seen below:

On February 9th, investigators with the Bakersfield Police Department arrested Bakersfield residents, Jashonte Howard (30), Katiesha Courter (28) and Allan Harper (25) for multiple counts of Human Trafficking and other associated charges. These arrests are part of an ongoing human trafficking investigation being conducted by area law enforcement agencies. These arrests are the product of a partnership between the Bakersfield Police Department, Kern County District Attorney’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Kern County Sheriff’s Office and our ongoing efforts to curtail human trafficking in our community.

“We are committed to identifying and holding accountable those that engage in the victimization of our most vulnerable populations,” said Bakersfield Police Chief Greg Terry.

Two juvenile victims were recovered safely as a result of this investigation and seven adult victims have been identified.

District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer commented on the filing of charges, stating, “Increased training, emphasis, and enforcement efforts against Human Traffickers are yielding results. The Human Trafficking Task Force and in particular, the Bakersfield Police Department, have been vital in identifying human traffickers so they can be brought to justice. The District Attorney’s Office will pursue trafficking charges against suspects identified during investigations to help prevent the exploitation of women, children, and all victims of human trafficking.”

Anyone who is the victim of human trafficking exploitation is urged to contact the Bakersfield Police Department via 9-1-1, the Alliance Against Family Violence at (661) 327-1091 or the Kern County Abuse Hotline at (661) 631-6011.