On January 17, 2016, Kevin Akins and Aubrei Wilson turned themselves into authorities to face charges of PC 236.1 (Human Trafficking of a minor)
In June of 2015, deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department’s Morongo Station responded to a female juvenile who had been abandoned in the desert in Twenty Nine Palms. During the investigation, deputies recognized the signs of human trafficking. Deputies took immediate action and the juvenile was placed in a safe location.
Deputies contacted the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force (SBCHTTF), comprised of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Detectives and District Attorney Investigators. Investigators interviewed the victim, and with the assistance of Morongo Station personnel, were able to identify several subjects involved in a sexual exploitation trafficking ring in the Morongo Valley.
During the four month long investigation, investigators identified several victims, which resulted in the rescue of three adult victims of human trafficking. The suspected traffickers were identified as 26 year old Kevin Akins, and 22 year old Aubrei Wilson, both residents of Twenty Nine Palms. The trafficking pair lured young females from areas as far as Ohio and Texas promising romantic relationships. Once they arrived they were conditioned and made to work as prostitutes.
On September 29th , the SBCHTTF assisted by deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff Department’s Morongo Station, The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Bureau of Investigation Special Response Team, the San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force and Homeland Security Investigators, served several search warrants on a total of six locations in Twenty Nine Palms and Palm Desert. The locations included residences for the suspects, hotels, and a brothel the suspected traffickers were operating in a residential area. The suspects were able to elude arrest at that time.
Investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating additional victims. Anyone with information pertaining to this case is urged to contact Deputy Vanessa Lopez or Investigator Carlos Flores at (909)890-4840. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the We-tip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME (27463) or utilize the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com
Refer: Dep. Vanessa Lopez/ Inv. Carlos Flores
Station: Human Trafficking Division
Phone No. (909)890-4840
Case No. 631500354
JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
