Girl's plea for help triggers sex-trafficking bust at Ventura hotel; 2 arrested

Gretchen Wenner | Ventura

Show Caption Hide Caption How to recognize the signs of human trafficking There are several warning signs for human trafficking, including poor health, a lack of control over their lives and harsh working conditions.

A girl who sought help from a front desk manager at a Ventura hotel Thursday night led police to a San Bernardino man and woman suspected of forcing her into prostitution, authorities said.

The scenario unfolded around 11 p.m. at the Comfort Inn & Suites at 2094 E. Harbor Blvd., the Ventura Police Department reported. The hotel is along southbound Highway 101 in the Pierpont neighborhood.

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A 17-year-old girl walked into the lobby and told the front desk manager she was being held against her will by a man and a woman, authorities said. The girl said the pair had sexually assaulted her, and the desk manager immediately called police, according to authorities.

The girl, whose age was not immediately provided, told officers she had been forced into prostitution, made to stay with the pair and the subject of human trafficking out of San Bernardino County.

Officers said they found the female suspect, identified as 25-year-old Davisha Sweat, in the parking lot, where they detained her.

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The male suspect, 22-year-old Elijah Tucker, was still in the hotel room and surrendered after a brief standoff, police said.

Evidence obtained through search warrants corroborated the girl’s claims, police said.

Tucker and Sweat were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking of a minor, pimping of a minor and a forcible sexual assault violation, authorities said.

They were booked into Ventura County jail, with Sweat’s bail set at $150,000 and Tucker’s bail set at $160,000. Tucker was scheduled to appear in court at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in Courtroom 13 of Ventura Superior Court.

Staff writer Jeremy Childs contributed to this report.

Gretchen Wenner covers breaking news for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at gretchen.wenner@vcstar.com or 805-437-0270.