HomeMy WebLinkAbout13_01_18 Wanted for Human Trafficking
BAKERSFIELD POLICE
DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Greg Williamson, Chief of Police
Contact: Michaela Beard
Public Information Office
661-326-3803
mbeard@bakersfieldpd.us
For Immediate Release January 18, 2013
The Bakersfield Police Department began aggressively pursuing a human trafficking case, where the
juvenile victim was kidnapped for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
On Tuesday, January 8, 2013, the female juvenile voluntarily left her residence and came into contact
with Shanell Smith, 19, of Reno, Nevada. Smith lured the juvenile to a market in the 10 block of
Brundage Lane, where Vernon McCullum III, 19, of Reno, Nevada was waiting in a vehicle. The juvenile
entered the vehicle with both Smith and McCullum, at which time; McCullum drove them to a local area
motel where the juvenile engaged in sexual intercourse with McCullum.
On Wednesday, January 9, 2013, the juvenile pleaded with Smith and McCullum for a ride and they
offered to take her to school. Then the suspects entered Highway 99, driving northbound. The victim
begged the suspects to let her go, but McCullum refused and continued to drive north to Tulare County.
The victim was driven to an unknown location, where she tried to escape; however, McCullum detained
her by physically assaulting her and Smith brandished a knife and pepper spray.
The victim was then driven to a motel in Reno, Nevada, where she was forced to engage in prostitution.
The victim continued to plea for her freedom, yet McCullum and Smith refused to let her go. The victim
was also forced to pose nude for several photographs. At the motel, the victim again tried to escape, but
was physically assaulted by McCullum and forced back into the room.
Vernon McCullum III, 19, of Reno, Nevada was arrested and booked for human trafficking, kidnapping,
false imprisonment, criminal threats, unlawful sexual intercourse, conspiracy and publishing child
pornography. Shanell Smith, 19, of Reno, Nevada is wanted for questioning on charges of human
trafficking, kidnapping, false imprisonment, criminal threats, conspiracy, and publishing child
pornography.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to call the Bakersfield Police Department at
(661) 327-7111 or Detective Gary Carruesco at (661) 326-3544.
You can now send an anonymous text message to the Bakersfield Police Department. It’s quick and it’s easy.
Simply enter 274637 into your phone and text BPDCRIMES along with your message. The text is sent to the
police department and the sender remains completely anonymous.
Tips can also be anonymously sent through the smartphone “TipSubmit” mobile App or via email at
https://www.tipsubmit.com.