Lakewood man arrested for operating Norwalk-based human trafficking ring

NORWALK – L.A. County Sheriff's investigators announced on Wednesday that they have arrested a Lakewood man in connection with a Norwalk-based escort service that in under suspicion of human trafficking violations.

Omar Sanchez, 37, was arrested after investigators served warrants at his home on April 7 and at “Bombshells,” his agency that operated in an office near Leffingwell and Studebaker roads, the sheriff's department said.

Sanchez was booked on suspicion of human trafficking, rape and weapons violations following a six-month investigation that was conducted by personnel from the L.A. Regional Human Trafficking Task Force.

Omar Sanchez was booked on suspicion of human trafficking, rape and weapons violations following a six-month investigation.

Sheriff’s said he was released after posting a $420,000 bond, and is scheduled to be arraigned April 28 in Norwalk at the L.A. County Superior Court.

“Mr. Sanchez victimized some of the women who worked at the agency and sold their sexual services for money,” said California Highway Patrol Detective Kerri Rivas, the lead investigator on the case.

“We are also investigating the abuse of underage girls who he employed as escorts,” Rivas said.

The business used the website “Backpage.com” to advertise the women and the services, according to investigators.

Rivas urged people to contact them if they were victimized by Sanchez or the escort business.

Anyone who has information on the case can reach investigators at (323) 526-5156, or submit tips anonymously via Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS.