Getting your
Trinity Audioplayer ready...OAKLAND — A Richmond woman has been charged with human trafficking of a minor after two girls, aged 15 and 17, identified her as a woman who was coercing them into sex work along with a still-unidentified man, according to court records.
Monica Jackson, 38, was charged with human trafficking, pimping a minor, and pandering, as part of a five-count felony complaint. She pleaded not guilty on Friday and has been released from jail while the case is pending, court records show.
Police say that on June 4, a 17-year-old girl called police from a section of 16th Avenue in Oakland that is known for prostitution, and reported that she was being trafficked and needed help. Investigators identified her and a 15-year-old girl as victims of the same pimp. While they were interviewing both girls, Jackson allegedly showed up and spoke with police.
Jackson “admitted involvement…but insisted that she thought (both girls) were just 19 years old,” police said in court filings. Authorities believe Jackson was assisting a man, but he has not been identified or charged, court records show.