The San Diego District Attorney’s Office announced their second sex trafficking ring bust this month on Monday.
Three suspects were arrested Friday, after a year-long investigation that rescued at least seven victims.
"These young women were pimped and trafficked for years by three defendants in San Marcos," District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said at a press conference. "This month's successful takedown of two sex trafficking operations is further evidence of law enforcement's commitment and cooperation in San Diego to stop the scourge of human trafficking."
Tyrone Evans, Natasha McElrath, and Lila Elfors all pleaded not guilty in court Monday.
They were charged with at least six felony counts, including human trafficking, pimping and pandering.
“The work being done by the human drug trafficking task force is instrumental in dismantling criminal enterprises and rescuing those trapped in a lifestyle in which they cannot escape," San Diego Police Chief Shelley Zimmerman said.
Investigators said Evans was the mastermind behind the operation and was a consultant for those seeking advice on how to set up their own operations.
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He faces up to 29 years and four months in prison.
McElrath and Elflors face up to 24 years.
