The Ventura County District Attorney's Office has filed human trafficking-related charges against a Simi Valley man in two separate cases involving eight victims, according to court records.
Across the
two cases, Brent William Bischoff faces seven counts of causing a minor to engage in a commercial sex act, seven counts of child annoyance, six counts of pandering to a minor 16 or older, one count of pandering to a minor under 16, one count of pandering by encouraging, and one count of check fraud, court records indicate.
“These charges involve the exploitation of children, and our office will do everything in its power toprosecute individuals who target vulnerable young people for commercial sex,” District AttorneyErik Nasarenko wrote in a news release.
The 27-year-old pled not guilty to all charges during his Sept. 24 and 30 arraignments, according to court records.
Court records show he denied all 23 special allegations that he committed the alleged offenses while on probation, parole or under supervision. Such allegations can lead to increased prison sentences.
Prosecutors allege that throughout September, Bischoff approached teenage girls at shopping centers near Moorpark High School and offered them money in exchange for sex acts. Seven victims were minors, ranging from 14 to 16 years old, according to the DA's office.
The investigation remains ongoing, and prosecutors encourage anyone with information to contact the Moorpark Police Department at 805-532-2715.
Bischoff remains in custody with bail set at $250,000 in his first case and $1 million in his second case, records show.
Makena Huey is an investigative and watchdog reporter for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at makena.huey@vcstar.com. This story was made possible by a grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation's Fund to Support Local Journalism. The foundation plays no role in story selection. The Star retains full editorial control.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Simi Valley man pleads not guilty to human trafficking-related charges
