Six Men Arrested in Human Trafficking Sting in San Luis Obispo County

Authorities rescued three female victims, including one minor, in the multi-county operation.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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As part of a human trafficking sting in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, law enforcement arrested one man for sexual trafficking and five men for arranging to meet with a girl under 15 years old for sex. Officers also rescued three female sex trafficking victims, two adults and one juvenile.

Why it matters

Human trafficking, including the exploitation of minors, remains a serious issue in California communities. This operation highlights law enforcement's efforts to target the demand side of the commercial sex trade and protect vulnerable victims.

The details

The arrests included 30-year-old Esteban Ceja, an undocumented immigrant who was previously deported, for sexual trafficking using force and fear. The other five men were arrested for arranging to meet with a minor for sex, including a recent high school graduate, a Cal Poly student, and several older men.

  • The arrests took place in late January 2026.

The players

Esteban Ceja

A 30-year-old man arrested for sexual trafficking of a victim using force and fear, as well as pimping, pandering, and providing false identification.

Gael Pita-Abarca

An 18-year-old recent Morro Bay High School graduate arrested for arranging to meet with a minor for sex.

Stephan Mueller

A 62-year-old man arrested for arranging to meet with a minor for sex.

Singh Ashvir

A 22-year-old Cal Poly student arrested for arranging to meet with a minor for sex.

Gonzalo Luna-Penafort

A 22-year-old man arrested in Santa Barbara County for arranging to meet with a minor for sex.

Arturo Delon

A 39-year-old man arrested in Santa Barbara County for arranging to meet with a minor for sex.

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What they’re saying

“Prostitution demand fuels a lucrative market that traffickers exploit with victims—including children—even here. Our local anti-trafficking operations target this commercial sex demand to curb daily exploitation of minors and adults. Warning to sex buyers: reconsider, as your actions heighten risks for ~300,000 American children annually. You can and will be prosecuted if caught.”

— Dan Dow, District Attorney (calcoastnews.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on bail for the suspects in the coming days.

The takeaway

This multi-agency sting operation demonstrates law enforcement's commitment to combating human trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of minors in California communities. It also highlights the ongoing need to address the demand side of the sex trade to protect vulnerable victims.