15-year-old forced into prostitution for up to 6 months, police say

A 15-year-old girl may have been forced into prostitution for up to six months at an Oxnard home, a detective investigating the case said Tuesday afternoon.

Graciela Vasquez, 23, was arrested on suspicion of inducing a child to engage in a lewd act and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, the Oxnard Police Department said.

Investigators suspect that Vasquez may have befriended the victim before forcing her to engage in prostitution for up to six months at the home in the 100 block of North Harrison Avenue, Det. James Langford said.

“It may have stemmed from a friendship and bloomed from there,” he said.

Police swooped down on the home Monday after receiving an anonymous tip that a 15-year-old was being forced into prostitution.

Officers found the girl and arrested Vasquez and 34-year-old Rolando Navarrete Ramirez.

Langford described Ramirez as an alleged “client.” He was arrested on suspicion of unlawful sex with a minor.

The home was being rented by a woman who was caring for 10 children at the location when police responded. They ranged in age from 5 months to 13 years old.

Langford said the victim’s mother was out of the county. He said police were still investigating the case.

Police are asking anyone with information to call Langford at (805) 385-7638.

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