On June 21, 2017, the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office again joined with several area law enforcement agencies in an operation to target the buyers of child and adult prostitutes.
Human Trafficking is the second most prolific crime in the world, second only to narcotics trafficking in terms of revenue generated. The victims of human trafficking are often teenaged girls who, for various reasons, are forced to engage in repeated sexual assaults for the profit of a “pimp” soliciting customers for prostitutes.
The operation targeted buyers who would otherwise willingly hire underage and/or adult prostitutes. After the suspects initiated contact in response to a notice from an internet publication, they made arrangements to meet the “prostitutes,” actually undercover law enforcement officers, in a specified Yavapai County motel room.
On June 21, 2017, the team of combined law enforcement officers apprehended these men who, even with knowledge some of the “prostitutes” were legally considered children, still intended to exploit them anyway through paid sex acts.
Clemente Martinez, age 37, from Prescott, arrested for 1 count of Engaging in Child Prostitution, a felony, after soliciting a person he believed was 14-years-old for sex. He remains in-custody on a $5,000 bond. Martinez was out on bond regarding an unrelated case and is also under an immigration hold.
A total of 3 adult men were arrested following their request for sex acts and an offer or presentation of payment in the hotel room. Names, details, and booking information follow:
Johxen Poquento, age 35, from Prescott Valley, arrested for 1 count of Engaging in Child Prostitution, a felony, after soliciting a person he believed was 16-years-old for sex. He remains in-custody on a $5,000 bond.
Ronald Lowman, age 61, from Prescott Valley, arrested for 1 count of Engaging in Child Prostitution, a felony, after soliciting a person he believed was 16-years-old for sex. He has been released on a $5000 bond.
Yavapai County Sheriff Scott Mascher said, “I will continue to make these types of operations a priority for the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office because the goal of protecting our children from sexual predators must continue. I would like to thank all the assisting agencies for their support and participation in the investigation. On behalf of my fellow law enforcement partners, it is my hope these arrests send a message that preying on our children will not be tolerated in this County.”