AnonymousSource: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff’s detectives from the Special Investigations Bureau have arrested a suspect in Los Angeles for human trafficking after a 3-year investigation. Detectives began their investigation in March, 2019 and uncovered multiple victims of human trafficking in Santa Barbara County by the suspect, 31-year-old Raymond Carnell Crandell of Santa Maria. Detective submitted their findings to the District Attorney’s Office, who issued a felony complaint warrant for Crandell in May, 2021.
On Wednesday, July 7, 2021, detectives located Crandell in the city of Los Angeles and arrested him on his warrant, as well as an outstanding warrant from Los Angeles County for drug related charges. Crandell was arrested in a hotel room with an 18-year-old female. Detectives believe Crandell was attempting to recruit the female for the purpose of prostitution. Crandell is being held in a Los Angeles County jail and will be transferred to the Santa Barbara County Jail upon completion of his court process in Los Angeles. The Santa Barbara County warrant has a bail of $1,000,000 and includes one count of human trafficking of a minor (felony), seven counts of pimping (felony), and seven counts of pandering (felony).
Sheriff’s detectives believe there are additional victims, including juveniles, who may have been contacted in person or through social media and exploited by Crandell. The Sheriff’s Office asks anyone who may have been approached by, or anyone having information about Crandell to please contact Detective Joshua Cockrell via email at HumanTrafficking@sbsheriff.org or by phone at 805-681-4105. A booking photo of Crandell will be made available to the public for identification purposes once he is transferred to the Santa Barbara County Jail.
The Sheriff’s Office is aware that survivors of sexual assault and abuse are often reluctant to come forward for many different reasons. We have many resources available regardless of your decision to participate in a criminal investigation. Sheriff’s detectives coordinate closely with the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office, Victim-Witness Program to ensure the needs of survivors are not overshadowed by the focus on the investigation and prosecution of the accused. Victim Advocates are available to ensure that survivors are kept informed and supported throughout the criminal justice process. Survivors have the option of contacting the Victim-Witness Assistance Program directly at 805-568-2400 or toll free at 855-840-3232.
The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind survivors and their loved ones that they can also find support services through our community partner, Standing Together to End Sexual Assault (STESA). Services offered by STESA include a confidential 24-Hour hotline, legal and medical advocacy and accompaniment, and counseling. You can reach a STESA advocate at any time by calling (805) 564-3696.
I understand the necessity to move methodically to make a case but three years? What an awful response time to an awful crime. Get Sheriff Bill to retire, this is embarrassing.