Authorities ask public to report these ads if seen elsewhere, or if you have been victimized by answering such adsEast County News Service
May 26, 2024 (Lemon Grove) — An undercover operation in East County has resulted in arrest of Robert Owen, 48, on suspicion of soliciting sex from a minor.
“The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (HTTF) investigation was initiated after concerned citizens brought bizarre postings that had been affixed to utility poles in Lemon Grove advertising the "AZ24.CO" website to the attention of law enforcement,” says Sergeant Jason Phillips with the San Diego Sheriff’s Dept.
The postings claimed to be selling various items and women’s clothing, as well as looking for partners to “cuddle” and “drink” with. The website only contained the message seen in the screenshot on the right.During an undercover operation on May 22, HTTF deputies and officers posed as a 16-year-old girl and answered the advertisement. They were then solicited for sex acts by Robert Owens, who arranged to meet with the decoy for sexual intercourse, Sgt. Phillips says. When he arrived at the meeting location, Owens was arrested.
The investigation is ongoing.
The Sheriff's Department and the HTTF thank the public for bringing this case to their attention.
The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is seeking the assistance of the public to determine if anyone else has been victimized or seen these advertisements posted in other areas of the county.
You can call the Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at (888) 580-8477. You can also visit the Crime Stoppers website at www.sdcrimestoppers.org/anonymous-tip.