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Two suspects were arrested on suspicion of human trafficking after two out-of-control teenage girls prompted a police investigation.
Riverside police began an investigation in May when a teenage girl escaped from the home of a local group in Riverside was notified.
Detectives discovered that the girl was a victim of human trafficking and could have been engaged in prostitution in the Los Angeles area. Both were later discovered and safely returned to the group home.
Detectives continued to investigate the case and identified two suspects who are believed to be exploiting teenage victims through prostitution.
On July 26, 23-year-old Bonnie Edney Fingerson was arrested in Santa Clara County for trafficking minors, seducing minors into prostitution, engaging minors under the age of 16 and supporting prostitutes. She is being held on $85,000 bail.
The second suspect, Michael Jay Johnson, 28, of Los Angeles, was arrested on July 29 for trafficking a minor, pimping a minor under the age of 16, indecent and scavenging with a child, possession of a firearm by a felony and breaching his parole.
28-year-old Michael Jay Johnson and 23-year-old Bonnie Edney Fingerson can be seen in photo bookings from the Riverside Police Department.
Police said Johnson is also a known gang member who was released on parole for involving minors. He is being held on $200,000 bail.
“The reality is that when teens run away, they face immediate and serious risks,” said Li, Matt Lucky, of the Riverside Police Department. “Within a few hours, they can be targeted by predators, victims of human trafficking, or exposed to other violent crimes. We encourage parents, guardians and community members to talk to teens about these dangers, report young people who have run wild without delay, and work closely with law enforcement to ensure safe benefits.”
Anyone with more information is encouraged to call the Riverside Police Station Deputy at 951-353‑7614 or call rpdvice@riversideca.gov.
Anonymous tips can also be sent via the Atlas 1 mobile app using the Send Message feature. Click here to download apps for your Apple device. Downloads for Android devices can be found here.
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