Bystanders help save human trafficking victim, deputies say

“They were watching our suspect strangling our female victim, and they did the right thing and called for emergency help,” said Andres Rosas, spokesman for the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. (KSBW via CNN Newsource)

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CASTROVILLE, California (KSBW) -- A near-fatal experience for a victim of human trafficking near a Castroville shopping centre on the 11000 block of Merritt Street, fortunately, ended with bystanders stepping in to help.

“They were watching our suspect strangling our female victim, and they did the right thing and called for emergency help,” said Andres Rosas, spokesman for the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

That suspect is 42-year-old Eric Melendrez of Castroville, and investigators say his victim may not be the only one. Monterey County sheriff’s deputies say that when they searched homes in Castroville and Salinas connected to Melendrez, they allegedly found evidence associated with pimping, including condoms, lingerie, and perfume.

Investigators say drugs and weapons were also allegedly found.

“When these search warrants were executed, they were able to locate indicia that there could be multiple people being trafficked for the purpose of sexual acts,” Rosas said.

Investigators say it almost turned deadly for one of them. Counselors with the Monterey County Rape Crisis Center say the lifespan of a woman being trafficked can be as short as seven years.

“That can lead to early death just because of diseases, disabilities, health risks, suicides, and a bunch of different causes that lead to that,” said Desteney Garcia, a human trafficking outreach manager for the Rape Crisis centre.

Help is available for those hoping to escape a pimp or the grip of human trafficking. At the Monterey County Rape Crisis centre, counselors can help someone get to a safer place.

“There’s always a way to make a change in your life, right? Because people are worthy, everyone’s worthy, they matter, and we’re here to make sure that they can make a safety plan and figure out their next steps,” Garcia said.

By Felix Cortez.