Two suspects have been arrested on sex trafficking by the Sacramento County sheriff’s deputies, following an extensive investigation that began last year.
The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office disclosed in press release that the investigation, initiated in October 2023, focused on the trafficking of two minors aged 12 and 14.
Jacob Reyes, 31, and Itzel Medina-Nieto, 26, were arrested for their involvement in the trafficking of the minors. Authorities allege that Reyes sexually assaulted the 14-year-old repeatedly while exploiting both minors as sex workers across Sacramento, San Francisco, and Oakland.
Further into the investigation , deputies uncovered Medina-Nieto’s complicity in the trafficking of the 14-year-old. Both suspects were booked into Sacramento County Main Jail early Thursday morning, as indicated by jail records.
Reyes faces three felony charges related to the prostitution of a minor, while Medina-Nieto faces one felony charge linked to the prostitution of a minor and a misdemeanor charge for tampering with evidence. Bail for Reyes has been set at $1 million, while Medina-Nieto’s bail stands at $500,000, according to jail records.
Throughout the investigation, deputies highlighted the cooperation of both juvenile victims, who expressed a willingness to seek assistance.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office remarked on the rarity of such cooperation, citing the typical influence, fear, and coercion exerted by traffickers on their victims. Anyone with information concerning the case is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office, Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers, or use the P3 Tips app.
“Sadly, this is rare as most minor victims do not cooperate due to the influence, fear and force used by their traffickers,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Deputies said anyone with information about this case is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 916-874-5115, the Sacramento Valley Crime Stoppers at 916-443–4357 or use the P3 Tips app.
Tips leading to an arrest are eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000.
