Crackdown Leads to 38 Arrests in Oceanside

A massive police crackdown in Oceanside netted a total of 38 arrests this week in California.

According to U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy, the men arrested were part of three major gangs - "Crook, Mob, Gangsters," "Deep Valley Crips," and the "Insane Crip Gang" - and now face charges of rackeetering for a prostitution ring that spread across the country. In addition to these sex crimes, the face additional charges of attempted murder, kidnapping, extortion, alleged sex trafficking of adults and minors, and distribution of controlled substances.

The indictment was unsealed this week a press conference led by Duffy. She added that the indictment "targets a growing problem in San Diego County and across the country - street gangs like the Crips expanding traditional gang activities to include prostitution." These arrests are the result of an 18-month investigation, known as "Operation Vice Grip," aimed at targeting sex traffickers in national and local gangs.

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