VENTURA, Calif. — A Simi Valley man is facing a massive criminal indictment including multiple human trafficking and child exploitation charges after additional teenage victims stepped forward to report incidents near a local high school, county prosecutors announced.
Click here to view the official Ventura County District Attorney's Office press release regarding the expanded human trafficking charges against Brent William Bischoff.
The expanded filings were announced by Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko following the defendant's court appearances.
Authorities identified the suspect as 37-year-old Brent William Bischoff (born February 23, 1989), a resident of Simi Valley.
Bischoff has been charged across two separate Ventura County Superior Court cases (Case Nos. 2026027344 and 2026028039 under court docket 26CF101887). He has been arraigned in both matters and entered pleas of not guilty to all counts.
Moorpark Shopping Center Targeting, Victims, and Method
According to investigators from the Moorpark Police Department and prosecutors with the District Attorney's Office, Bischoff approached teenage girls over the past month in public areas.
Detectives determined that Bischoff frequented shopping centers located in close proximity to Moorpark High School, where he allegedly offered cash and financial compensation to young girls in exchange for commercial sex acts.
Investigators have identified eight total victims connected to the two cases, seven of whom are underage minors ranging in age from 14 to 16 years old.
Comprehensive List of Felony and Misdemeanor Charges
The District Attorney's Office has filed a total of 23 counts against Bischoff across both cases:
- PC § 236.1(c)(1): Human Trafficking – Causing a Minor to Engage in Commercial Sex Acts (7 Felony Counts)
- PC § 266i(b)(1): Pandering a Minor 16 Years of Age or Older (6 Felony Counts)
- PC § 266i(b)(2): Pandering a Minor Under 16 Years of Age (1 Felony Count)
- PC § 266i(a)(2): Pandering by Encouraging Commercial Sex (1 Felony Count)
- PC § 647.6(a)(1): Annoying or Molesting a Child Under 18 (7 Misdemeanor Counts)
- PC § 476: Forgery Involving Fictitious or Altered Bills, Notes, or Checks (1 Felony Count)
- Special Allegation (CRC 4.421(b)(4)): Defendant was actively on probation, mandatory supervision, post-release community supervision, or parole when the offenses occurred.
"These charges involve the exploitation of children, and our office will do everything in its power to prosecute individuals who target vulnerable young people for commercial sex," stated District Attorney Erik Nasarenko in an official release. "Parents and families should know that we are committed to protecting children and vigorously charging those who prey on them."
Ongoing Investigation, Police Helpline, and Custody Details
Senior Deputy District Attorney Twyla Atmore of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit is leading the prosecution.
Law enforcement officials believe additional young people may have been approached or targeted in commercial shopping plazas near Moorpark school zones.
Anyone with information or potential victims are urged to contact the Moorpark Police Department directly at (805) 532-2715.
Bischoff remains held in custody at the Ventura County Main Jail. A judge set his bail at $250,000 in the first case and $1,000,000 in the second case, bringing total bail to $1.25 million.
Official case advisories are available through the Ventura County District Attorney's Office Newsroom.