Vallejo Police Rescue Missing Juvenile from Hotel, Arrest Suspect

UPDATE: Vallejo police have rescued a missing juvenile from a hotel on Fairgrounds Drive and detained a suspect believed to have exploited her. The dramatic rescue took place after authorities were alerted by a family member, who reported the girl’s location just hours ago.

Investigators confirmed the juvenile, reported missing from Riverside County, was being held against her will and was subjected to sexual exploitation. Police responded swiftly, locating the victim and detaining Justen Allen Powell, a 26-year-old felon, as he stood outside the hotel room where she was found.

Vallejo Police Chief Jason Ta emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “Human trafficking is a serious crime that affects communities throughout our region, and Vallejo is not immune.” Authorities have stated that the juvenile was in a high-risk situation, with evidence suggesting she was transported across multiple locations—including Los Angeles, Fresno, and Richmond—before arriving in Vallejo.

Through interviews and evidence collection, police confirmed that the juvenile had encountered Powell in Southern California. She was reportedly restricted from leaving due to intimidation and control tactics employed by her alleged captor. The investigation has revealed alarming details of sexual assault and exploitation.

The victim is now safe and under the care of Solano County Child Protective Services. Powell has been charged with multiple felonies, including pimping, pandering, corporal injuries to a child, and kidnapping. He is currently booked in the Solano County Jail.

The police are urging anyone with information related to this case, or any suspected incidents of human trafficking in Vallejo, to call 911 immediately or contact the Vallejo Police Department at (707) 552-3285. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at 1-800-488-9383.

This urgent situation highlights the ongoing battle against human trafficking in the region, and authorities are committed to addressing this critical issue. Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation continues.