Suspected Human Trafficker Pleads Not Guilty; Court Dates Set
UPDATE: A 33-year-old Fresno man, Justen Allen Powell, has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges of human trafficking during an urgent hearing in Solano County Superior Court on Thursday. Powell, who is being held without bail, faces significant legal proceedings in a Vallejo courtroom in the coming days.
During his initial arraignment in Department 21, Powell denied all allegations, including prior felony convictions. Represented by Deputy Public Defender O. Joseph Reyes, he is set to return for a readiness conference at 8:30 a.m. on November 14, followed by a preliminary hearing scheduled for 10 a.m. on November 17. Judge Robert Q. Warshawsky denied Powell’s request for release under a pretrial services contract, ensuring he remains in custody at the Solano County Jail in Fairfield.
The case stems from a shocking incident reported by the Vallejo Police Department on Monday, where officers discovered a juvenile girl being held and sexually exploited at a hotel on Fairgrounds Drive. Officers promptly located the minor and confirmed she was a missing person from Riverside County, classified as at high risk for sexual exploitation. After identifying Powell outside the hotel room associated with the juvenile, police apprehended him for questioning.
Records revealed Powell’s previous felony conviction for assault with a deadly weapon involving a firearm. Investigators uncovered that the minor had met Powell in Southern California before being moved to various locations, including Los Angeles, Fresno, and Richmond. Authorities believe Powell used intimidation and control to restrict the juvenile’s freedom, leading to ongoing sexual assaults.
Vallejo police acted swiftly to ensure the victim’s safety, transporting her to a local hospital for medical treatment and a sexual assault response evaluation. Child Protective Services has since taken custody of the juvenile.
In a statement, Vallejo Police Chief Jason Ta emphasized the severity of human trafficking, stating, “This crime affects communities throughout our region, and Vallejo is not immune. Our patrol officers acted immediately to ensure the victim’s safety and connect her with necessary support services.”
As this case develops, the Vallejo Police Department remains committed to prioritizing investigations into human trafficking, collaborating with local, state, and federal partners to bring perpetrators to justice.
Stay tuned for further updates as this urgent situation unfolds.
