Local Man Makes Rescuing Young Victims Of International Sex Trafficking His Mission
"This is the most significant problem, plague I call it, on Earth," Tim Ballard says.
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"This is the most significant problem, plague I call it, on Earth," Tim Ballard says.
Local and federal authorities will announce the results of a task force's eight-month effort to target human sex traffickers in the Long Beach area and rescue their victims rather than arrest them for prostitution.
A 25-year-old man has been sentenced to more than six years in state prison after pleading guilty to human trafficking and prostitution charges involving 16- and 17-year-old girls.
With tougher laws on the books to punish human traffickers and more awareness about those forced into sexual slavery, prosecutors, lawmakers and police met Friday to plot a plan to eradicate human sex trafficking.
District Attorney Jackie Lacey Wednesday announced a diversion program aimed at getting young victims of sex trafficking off the streets.
The murder Tuesday of 17-year-old Aubreyanna Sade Parks of Yorba Linda, shows how deadly the life can be.
Seventeen people were arrested Wednesday in California, Arizona and New Jersey under an indictment that targets a gang based in San Diego's North Park area.
Hundreds of residents, along with community leaders, gathered in Compton Thursday night to march against sex trafficking.
Two former teen prostitutes shared their stories with CBS2/KCAL9's Melanie Woodrow, revealing some of the dismal details that embody the hard reality of sex trafficking.
A Long Beach man is being charged with Child Sex Trafficking after allegedly forcing a 17-year-old girl to perform sexual activities with up to 50 or more men for profit.
A Long Beach man has been charged with forcing women he recruited online to work as prostitutes.
Two young girls were rescued and 15 people were arrested during a sex trafficking sting in Riverside and San Bernardino counties last week.
Some children in L.A. County's foster care system are reportedly being recruited as child prostitutes and officials want a new task force to address the problem.
The number of people identified as victims of human trafficking in California has increased steadily since 2010 as the crime has become a growing threat, California Attorney General Kamala Harris reported Friday.
Law enforcement, transit and business leaders Thursday unveiled a multimedia ad campaign aimed at raising awareness of child sex trafficking.
A Long Beach was arraigned Monday in federal court after being indicted by a grand jury with sex trafficking and forced labor charges.
When you think about the horrors of human trafficking or sex slaves, you likely think of it as a problem happening "over there."
Sex trafficking is often associated with Eastern Europe or Asia, but few recognize to what extent people are exploited in the United States. Maria Suarez was one such victim who's now working to raise awareness about sex trafficking in Los Angeles.
iSanctuary, a nonprofit organization, is planning a "purchase with a purpose" trunk show Sat., Oct. 9, at A Place of Our Own in Los Alamitos.
Long Beach neighbors said what started as a peaceful celebration marking the end of the school year turned into a brawl that ended with some teens being detained by police.
Chase Meidroth had three hits and two RBIs, and the Chicago White Sox beat the depleted Los Angeles Dodgers 8-2 in a matchup of division leaders.
The family of a woman who was allegedly stabbed in the neck by an inmate while working at Chino's Men's Prison last year has filed a lawsuit against the state.
The Irvine Police Department arrested a 25-year-old man accused of running over a pedestrian on Wednesday.
The senator held an afternoon news conference in the Monrovia Home Depot parking lot, the site where Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez died after fleeing from an ICE enforcement operation.
Kick it in the Park events will take place at 18 different park sites, with 100 free screenings hosted by the Mayor's Office, the council districts, and Los Angeles Recreation and Parks.
Long Beach neighbors said what started as a peaceful celebration marking the end of the school year turned into a brawl that ended with some teens being detained by police.
The U.S. men's national soccer team, which last appeared at the 2022 World Cup, will face Paraguay to kick off its 2026 World Cup.
The family of a woman who was allegedly stabbed in the neck by an inmate while working at Chino's Men's Prison last year has filed a lawsuit against the state.
With 104 World Cup games being played in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, it's like "a Super Bowl every single day for five weeks," U.S. team captain Tim Ream told CBS News.
Long Beach neighbors said what started as a peaceful celebration marking the end of the school year turned into a brawl that ended with some teens being detained by police.
The family of a woman who was allegedly stabbed in the neck by an inmate while working at Chino's Men's Prison last year has filed a lawsuit against the state.
The Irvine Police Department arrested a 25-year-old man accused of running over a pedestrian on Wednesday.
The senator held an afternoon news conference in the Monrovia Home Depot parking lot, the site where Carlos Roberto Montoya Valdez died after fleeing from an ICE enforcement operation.
The former mayoral candidate and reality TV star titled the video, "Saving LA – Phase III," and vowed that his fight to save the city is not over, claiming, "It's war."
The City of Laguna Beach said the sighting occurred 250 to 300 yards offshore of Christmas Cove, about one-quarter mile north of the area where the girl was initially swept away.
The November Fire has forced some evacuation orders and warnings for people in San Diego County.
Laguna Beach officials said that their search for the girl concluded at around 9 p.m. on Wednesday night, more than 24 hours after the girl was swept away.
Hundreds of Orange County residents gathered in Garden Grove on Tuesday night to demand answers from GKN Aerospace leadership during a special city council meeting.
The Orange County District Attorney's Office said officers found her in a running shower with her toddler's body.
The family of a woman who was allegedly stabbed in the neck by an inmate while working at Chino's Men's Prison last year has filed a lawsuit against the state.
A family is asking for answers after a father and son died when a Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department engine collided with their sedan in Hemet.
Two people were killed, including a 9-year-old boy, during a three-car crash in Riverside County on Tuesday night, according to the California Highway Patrol.
The November Fire has forced some evacuation orders and warnings for people in San Diego County.
Following a yearlong investigation, Freddy Cisneros of Fontana was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly having sex with a minor under the age of sixteen.
Paramount Skydance's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would not harm U.S. consumers or weaken competition, DOJ antitrust enforcers said.
An Iran-linked hacker group claims to have breached FBI drones and has threatened to target the World Cup, a monitoring group says. The monitor disputes some of the other group's claims.
With matches being played in 11 cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, fans are getting three World Cup opening ceremonies.
The U.S. men's national soccer team kicked off its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday.
With 104 World Cup games being played in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, it's like "a Super Bowl every single day for five weeks," U.S. team captain Tim Ream told CBS News.
Paramount Skydance's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery would not harm U.S. consumers or weaken competition, DOJ antitrust enforcers said.
Voters in California may decide this fall on a proposal that would make tax increases on high-income earners to fund education permanent, officials said.
California's Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom spearheaded a redistricting initiative that was intended to make up to five more districts more friendly to Democrats. Voters may have different ideas.
President Trump said the U.S. has taken out "millions" of barrels of Iranian oil in the dead of night, and said inflation will come down when the war ends.
Bill Gates told members of Congress on Wednesday that Jeffrey Epstein put his philanthropic work at risk, and that meeting him represented "a grave error in judgment."
Voters in California may soon decide on a ballot measure that seeks to help the state's middle class afford to buy a home, by establishing a $25 billion loan program that would provide down payment assistance.
Some Trader Joe's shoppers will get a payout after a lawsuit alleged that the retailer's customer receipts put shoppers at risk of ID theft.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and local prosecutors urged parents to check their children's e-bikes, saying some of the vehicles may be motorcycles or mopeds capable of high speeds.
San Francisco officials said Tuesday that the city has filed a lawsuit against leading manufacturers of ultra-processed foods, accusing them of producing products linked to serious health issues and alleging that the companies knowingly made the foods addictive.
A bill that would reverse a 25% tax increase on California's legal cannabis industry is heading to Gov. Gavin Newsom's desk, after being approved by the legislature.
Los Angeles County health officials on Saturday confirmed the fifth measles case of the year in an international traveler who arrived at Los Angeles International Airport earlier in the week.
At least 80 deaths have been reported in a new Ebola disease outbreak in Congo and Uganda, authorities said.
California public health officials said on Wednesday that they have identified a fifth resident who may have been exposed to the Andes hantavirus due to the outbreak on the MV Hondius cruise ship.
An American on the repatriation flight began showing symptoms of hantavirus and another "tested mildly PCR positive for the Andes virus," the Department of Health and Human Services says.
Three passengers have been evacuated from a cruise ship hit by a hantavirus outbreak, as related cases are confirmed in Switzerland and South Africa.
The California State Assembly passed a new bill that they hope can rein in a black market in restaurant reservations.
Voters in California may soon decide on a ballot measure that seeks to help the state's middle class afford to buy a home, by establishing a $25 billion loan program that would provide down payment assistance.
Some Trader Joe's shoppers will get a payout after a lawsuit alleged that the retailer's customer receipts put shoppers at risk of ID theft.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta and local prosecutors urged parents to check their children's e-bikes, saying some of the vehicles may be motorcycles or mopeds capable of high speeds.
A home-based food movement has been heating up in California, with home cooks turning their beloved family recipes into small businesses.
Chase Meidroth had three hits and two RBIs, and the Chicago White Sox beat the depleted Los Angeles Dodgers 8-2 in a matchup of division leaders.
Dodgers two-way star Shohei Ohtani hit his 13th homer of the season before leaving the game due to left knee inflammation and Los Angeles beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 8-6.
With matches being played in 11 cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, fans are getting three World Cup opening ceremonies.
With 104 World Cup games being played in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, it's like "a Super Bowl every single day for five weeks," U.S. team captain Tim Ream told CBS News.
The U.S. men's national soccer team kicked off its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Paraguay at SoFi Stadium on Friday.
With matches being played in 11 cities across the U.S., Mexico and Canada, fans are getting three World Cup opening ceremonies.
"Schmigadoon!" — which was tied for the most nominations, with 12 — won Best Musical, and "Liberation" took home the honor of Best Play at the 2026 Tony Awards.
Peabo Bryson, a two-time Grammy-winning singer and songwriter known for Disney movie hits "Beauty and the Beast" and "A Whole New World," has died at age 75.
President Trump said he is considering replacing the Freedom 250 concert series with a rally after many artists dropped out.
Sonny Rollins, the legendary tenor saxophonist known for his bold tone and constant experimentation, has died at 95.
The king tides in Orange County battered the Newport Beach coast, eroding the land under a life guard tower.
CBS LA's Lauren Pozen shares the frustrations Winnetka neighbors have with a shuttered gas station.
Long Beach neighbors said what started as a peaceful celebration marking the end of the school year turned into a brawl that ended with some teens being detained by police. Brittney Ermon reports.
Long Beach neighbors said what started as a peaceful celebration marking the end of the school year turned into a brawl that ended with some teens being detained by police. Brittney Ermon reports.
Spencer Pratt did not hold back in a new social media video post, commenting on problems in the city and the remaining Los Angeles mayoral candidates following his loss in the primary. Tom Wait reports.
Some of golf's best are facing off at the U.S. Women's Open at the Riviera Country Club in the Pacific Palisades over the weekend. The event runs from June 2 to June 7.
Widely considered the greatest architect of his time, Frank Gehry helped shape Los Angeles' skyline.
A suspect was taken into custody after an attack on Pearl Street Mall in Boulder on June 1 in which there were 15 people and a dog who were victims. The suspect threw Molotov cocktails that burned some of the victims, who were part of a march for Israeli hostages.
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
The Franklin Fire in Malibu quickly grew overnight and threatened several homes. Evacuation orders were issued and Pepperdine University instructed students to shelter in place.
