Viral posts suggest Google Maps imagery shows a human trafficking plea in L.A., but police say there's no evidence of nefarious activity.
Authorities recently debunked a social media conspiracy theory in which users believed human trafficking was occurring out of a Los Angeles shipping container yard due to chilling "HELP" signs discovered around the location.
Large HELP and TRAFICO signs near Cesar Chavez Ave in LA stir fears of trafficking or protests over displacement.
Locals in Los Angeles have offered an explanation for the disturbing messages found written on the ground that sent the internet into a conspiracy spiral
LAPD has debunked the human trafficking conspiracy theories linked with the viral mysterious ‘help’ messages in Google Maps visuals.
Huston Hughes, 37, who was on active parole for pimping, was arrested for the alleged sexual battery of a teenage girl in Long Beach, police said.
The satellite images showed the words "HELP," TRAFICO," and "LAPD," which can still be seen by plugging in the coordinates 34°03’18’N 118°13’30’W on Google Earth. The location is a lot owned by Union Pacific, situated near several major roads and freeways, and right next to the Cesar Chavez Bridge.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced felony charges against three individuals accused of human sex trafficking and pandering. The charges underscore his commitment
Los Angeles County District Attorney Announces Three Felony Charges in Commercial Sexual Exploitation Crimes During Human Trafficking Prevention Month
The Long Beach cases were announced just days after LA County prosecutors said three men had been tied to sexual exploitation along the Figueroa Corridor in Los Angeles.
Police say there is no evidence of trafficking or criminal activity after messages written with pipes and wood went viral on social media.