Vallejo Police Rescue Juvenile Victim, Arrest Alleged Kidnapper

UPDATE: Vallejo police have made a significant breakthrough in a disturbing case involving a missing juvenile. Authorities confirmed they rescued a young girl being sexually exploited at a hotel in the 400 block of Fairgrounds Drive and detained her alleged captor, Justen Allen Powell, just moments ago.

The operation unfolded after a family member alerted police about the girl’s whereabouts, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement. Officers arrived at the scene and swiftly located the juvenile, who had been reported missing from Riverside County. Upon questioning, she revealed harrowing details of her experience, indicating she was transported through various cities, including Los Angeles, Fresno, and Richmond, before arriving in Vallejo.

According to police reports, the juvenile was deemed “at high risk for sexual exploitation,” and evidence gathered on-site suggested she had been subjected to intimidation and control, restricting her ability to leave. The police statement detailed that the girl had met Powell, a 26-year-old felon previously convicted of assault and gun-related offenses, in Southern California.

Following the investigation, Powell was arrested and booked into Solano County Jail, facing multiple serious charges, including pimping, pandering, corporal injury to a child, false imprisonment with violence, kidnapping, and unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor.

Vallejo Police Chief Jason Ta emphasized the severity of human trafficking in the region, stating, “Human trafficking is a serious crime that affects communities throughout our region, and Vallejo is not immune.”

The rescued juvenile is now in the custody of Solano County Child Protective Services, where authorities will ensure her safety and recovery. This incident underscores the urgent need for awareness and action against human trafficking, which continues to be a pressing issue across the country.

Anyone with information regarding this case or other suspected human trafficking incidents in Vallejo is urged to call 911 or reach out to the Vallejo Police Department Communications Division at (707) 552-3285. Anonymous tips can be submitted at 1-800-488-9383.

As this story develops, further updates will be provided to the public in an effort to combat this alarming trend.