A 23-year-old Los Angeles man is behind bars for allegedly trafficking a minor from Ventura County. Bryan Jessie Garcia was arrested on January 23, 2026, following an intensive investigation.
The case began in December 2025 when the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office was notified of a missing juvenile. Detectives eventually found evidence that the child was being exploited in Los Angeles.
Investigators discovered that Garcia used a popular social media platform to groom the victim. He allegedly built trust through flattery and emotional manipulation before coercing the minor to leave home.
The juvenile was forced into sex trafficking near the Figueroa Street corridor in Los Angeles. Fortunately, the child was located and safely reunited with their family in early January.
A coordinated operation between the Sheriff's Office and the District Attorney led to Garcia's arrest. He was taken into custody near the same area where the trafficking took place.
Garcia is now facing multiple felony charges, including human trafficking of a minor and forcible lewd acts upon a child. His bail has been set at $1,000,000.
The Sheriff’s Office is using this case to remind parents about the dangers of online grooming. They noted that traffickers often target vulnerable youth through gaming and messaging apps.
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and local authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant. Garcia remains in the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility awaiting his next court date.