15-year-old forced into prostitution, Oxnard police say

A man and woman were arrested in connection with the forcing of a 15-year-old girl into prostitution, Oxnard police said.

Rolando Navarrete Ramirez, 34, and Graciela Vasquez, 23, were taken into custody at a home in Oxnard where the victim was forced to perform “sexual acts with older men,” Oxnard Police Department officials said in a statement.

“It was also determined that sexual acts had occurred between the victim and suspect Ramirez,” police said.

Officers found 10 other children ranging in age from 5 months to 13 years at the home in 100 block of North Harrison Avenue. Another woman, who police say rents the home, was also there when officers arrived.

Police said Vasquez had taken the 15-year-old to the home. It was unclear how she knew the victim.

The officers had responded to the home after receiving an anonymous report that a teenager was being forced into prostitution there.

The children were turned over to protective services officials. Investigators had not determined what role the other woman may have played in the alleged prostitution.

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call Det. James Langford at (805) 385-7638.

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robert.lopez@latimes.com