Husband, wife accused of trafficking two teenage girls in Sacramento County

(FOX40.COM) — The Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office said it is searching for additional potential victims of a husband and wife who were recently detained and accused of trafficking two teenage girls.

The agency said that a deputy was patrolling near Watt Avenue and Winona Way in the community of North Highlands on Sunday when he “rescued a young girl who was being sex trafficked.”

After getting the girl to safety, the deputy returned to the same area around 8 p.m. and saw two “younger-looking girls wearing lingerie near a vehicle.” The two turned out to be 17 years old and were victims of trafficking.

The sheriff’s office said detectives learned from the two teens that they were being trafficked by family friends.

Deputies located and arrested John Cheso, 46, and Shannon Powell, 35, on charges of human trafficking, the sheriff’s office said. Both remain in jail with bail of at least $1 million and will appear in court on Tuesday.

The sheriff’s office said there may be additional unreported victims and ask anyone with information to call 916-874-5115 or 916-443-4357. Anyone who calls may be eligible for a cash reward and can remain anonymous.

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