SAN JOSE – Authorities have announced the arrest of a San Jose man in reference to an alleged human trafficking scheme that was uncovered after police rescued an East Palo Alto teenager from the trunk of a automotive earlier this yr.
Jolaun Canton, 22, of San Jose was arrested on April 20 following a traffic stop. According to San Jose police, he attempted to flee from officers. Police added that he was present in possession of a so-called ghost gun, a privately manufactured firearm made out of parts that will not be registered or traceable.
Following his arrest, Canton became involved in an investigation by the SJPD Human Trafficking Task Force and East Palo Alto Police Department involving a young East Palo Alto girl who was reported missing on February 25.
Detectives investigating her disappearance tracked her right down to a San Jose residence and on March 25, police said, they rescued her after finding her in a automotive on the property. She reportedly told authorities that a person, since identified as Canton, “held her against her will, threatened her and forced her to participate in commercial sex acts for money.”
Canton is being held without bail on the Elmwood Men's Correctional Facility in Milpitas and faces charges including child sex trafficking, evading police and criminal possession of a weapon, in line with police and other records.
Anyone with information relevant to the investigation may contact the SJPD Human Trafficking Task Force at 408-537-1999 or via email at stopslavery@sanjoseca.gov.
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