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Hemet woman arrested in Ontario on suspicion of trafficking 15-year-old from Orange County

by in News

Police and deputies have arrested a woman in Ontario on suspicion of trafficking a 15-year-old girl for prostitution.

Authorities in San Bernardino County received information from the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force about a minor who was possibly a victim of human trafficking, and responded Feb. 26 to a motel at 1405 E. 4th Street in Ontario. During the investigation, officials found an advertisement for an online escort service that they believe featured the underage girl they had been notified of, according to a Feb. 28 news release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Members of the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force arrested Christina Lister, 27, of Hemet, on suspicion of pandering and trafficking of a minor at a motel in Ontario, 1405 E. 4th St., on Tuesday, Feb. 26. She was detained along with a 15-year-old victim during an undercover operation at the motel. (Photo courtesy of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)

The County’s Human Trafficking Task Force conducted an undercover operation and with the assistance of Ontario police detained the victim and one suspect associated with her. The teen was evaluated at a hospital, then placed into the custody of the San Bernardino County Department of Family Services.

The suspect was later identified as Christina Lister, 27, of Hemet, who was booked into the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of pandering and human trafficking of a minor, according to inmate records. She was held in lieu of $150,000 bail.

Investigators believe there may be other victims related to the case. Officials asked anyone with information that might help authorities  identify them to contact the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force at (909) 387-8400. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME or can leave information on the WE-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.