What Is Human Trafficking?
Join us as we discuss some of the basics of Human Trafficking. We will look at the true definition of Human Trafficking, who the victims are, how to identify it, and what to do about it. We will talk about some of the tactics that are used to lure victims in, things predators are looking for, and some of the social behaviors of the trafficker. This workshop will help you become better educated in this issue and hopefully inspire you to take action in the fight against trafficking. Come with your questions and be ready to learn!
Investigator Brian Robertson,
Department of Public Safety
Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation
About Investigator Brian Robertson:
Retired Master Investigator from Riverside Sheriff. 27+ years law enforcement, the last decade was on the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (10+ years). Work experience: 22 months Indio Jail, Patrol, Field Training Officer, Jurupa Station Gang Team, Hemet Station Investigations Bureau. Owner/Operator of Robertson Training & Consulting. Vast knowledge and experience investigating many crimes. Court recognized gang expert, human trafficking expert.
Retired Master Investigator from Riverside Sheriff. 27+ years law enforcement, the last decade was on the Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force (10+ years). Work experience: 22 months Indio Jail, Patrol, Field Training Officer, Jurupa Station Gang Team, Hemet Station Investigations Bureau. Owner/Operator of Robertson Training & Consulting. Vast knowledge and experience investigating many crimes. Court recognized gang expert, human trafficking expert.
Keeping Kids Safe From Online Predators
Senior Investigators Jason Polanco and Joel Pabelico from the Riverside County Child Exploitation Team (RCCET) work tirelessly to investigate child exploitation crimes, monitor registered sex offenders, and collaborate with various agencies to protect children from online predators. They play a vital role in safeguarding children in Riverside County by addressing the growing concerns of online exploitation. Part of what they do is offer classes and tips to protect families. They like to call this workshop “Cyber Security for Parents!” They are passionate about what they do and want to pass on this information to as many as possible. Please plan to come and get more education on this vital issue.
Senior Investigator Jason Polanco,
Riverside County DA’s Office Bureau of Investigation (RCCET)
Senior Investigator Joel Pabelico,
Riverside County DA’s Office Bureau of Investigation (RCCET)
About Senior Investigator Jason Polanco:
Investigator Polanco has a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology-Cybersecurity from Cal State San Bernardino. He has 18 years of Law Enforcement experience in the City of Indio, where he has worked as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, K9 Handler, and Detective. From 2014 to 2019, he was assigned to the Major Crimes Unit, working on Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, and Homicides. In 2021 he was hired by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and was assigned to an integrated Trial Team. In 2022 he was reassigned to the County’s exploitation Team and then partnered with K9 Solo as the office’s second ESD Handler. Investigator Polanco has an extensive background in computers, technology, and digital forensics, and has over 1,000 hours of law enforcement training related to sexual assault, child abuse, and forensic interviewing.
About Senior Investigator Joel Pabelico:
Investigator Pabelico Has over 21 years of Law Enforcement experience in San Diego County and as a Riverside County Sheriff. At the Perris Station he was a Patrol Deputy, Problem Oriented Policing Deputy, and a Field Training Officer. He was promoted to Corporal in 2008, and then promoted in 2009 to Investigator, transferring to the Jurupa Valley Station. He primarily investigated Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Cases. He was assigned to the Riv. County Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE)/Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in 2015. In 2018 he became Senior Investigator in the District Attorney’s Office. He then became part of the Riv. County Child Exploitation Team (RCCET), working on Electronic Storage Detection K9 team with K9 Chewie since August 2020.. He also conducts internet safety/online safety presentations.
Investigator Polanco has a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems and Technology-Cybersecurity from Cal State San Bernardino. He has 18 years of Law Enforcement experience in the City of Indio, where he has worked as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, K9 Handler, and Detective. From 2014 to 2019, he was assigned to the Major Crimes Unit, working on Sexual Assault, Child Abuse, and Homicides. In 2021 he was hired by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and was assigned to an integrated Trial Team. In 2022 he was reassigned to the County’s exploitation Team and then partnered with K9 Solo as the office’s second ESD Handler. Investigator Polanco has an extensive background in computers, technology, and digital forensics, and has over 1,000 hours of law enforcement training related to sexual assault, child abuse, and forensic interviewing.
About Senior Investigator Joel Pabelico:
Investigator Pabelico Has over 21 years of Law Enforcement experience in San Diego County and as a Riverside County Sheriff. At the Perris Station he was a Patrol Deputy, Problem Oriented Policing Deputy, and a Field Training Officer. He was promoted to Corporal in 2008, and then promoted in 2009 to Investigator, transferring to the Jurupa Valley Station. He primarily investigated Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Cases. He was assigned to the Riv. County Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement (SAFE)/Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force in 2015. In 2018 he became Senior Investigator in the District Attorney’s Office. He then became part of the Riv. County Child Exploitation Team (RCCET), working on Electronic Storage Detection K9 team with K9 Chewie since August 2020.. He also conducts internet safety/online safety presentations.
The Rise of Digital Exploitation: Porn, Trafficking & the Illusion of Empowerment on Platforms Like OnlyFans
As technology evolves, so do the tactics of traffickers and exploiters. Today, platforms like OnlyFans and mainstream pornography sites create a digital pipeline where coercion is easily masked as choice, and abuse is disguised as “empowerment.”
In this workshop, survivor-leader and trauma expert Harmony Dust explores the rapidly expanding intersection between pornography and trafficking, drawing from more than two decades of direct service with exploited and trafficked individuals. Together we will examine:
• How online platforms facilitate grooming, coercion, and digital pimping
• The psychological and economic pressures that push individuals—especially youth—into producing sexual content
• The ways traffickers use online content to recruit, control, or profit
• Harmful cultural narratives that normalize or glamorize exploitation
• Practical, trauma-informed strategies for prevention and intervention
Participants will leave equipped to recognize digital exploitation, understand the high-risk structures within online platforms, and support survivors with dignity and effectiveness.
In this workshop, survivor-leader and trauma expert Harmony Dust explores the rapidly expanding intersection between pornography and trafficking, drawing from more than two decades of direct service with exploited and trafficked individuals. Together we will examine:
• How online platforms facilitate grooming, coercion, and digital pimping
• The psychological and economic pressures that push individuals—especially youth—into producing sexual content
• The ways traffickers use online content to recruit, control, or profit
• Harmful cultural narratives that normalize or glamorize exploitation
• Practical, trauma-informed strategies for prevention and intervention
Participants will leave equipped to recognize digital exploitation, understand the high-risk structures within online platforms, and support survivors with dignity and effectiveness.
Harmony Dust,
Founder & Executive Director of Treasures
About Harmony Dust:
Harmony is a survivor of exploitation turned UCLA Alumna of The Year and founder of Treasures, a pioneering survivor-led nonprofit. She's the author of Scars and Stilettos, a memoir detailing her journey from abuse and exploitation to healing and advocacy. Harmony is a sought-after speaker and media voice on overcoming trauma, breaking free from toxic relationships, and the realities of trafficking in today's world.
Harmony is a survivor of exploitation turned UCLA Alumna of The Year and founder of Treasures, a pioneering survivor-led nonprofit. She's the author of Scars and Stilettos, a memoir detailing her journey from abuse and exploitation to healing and advocacy. Harmony is a sought-after speaker and media voice on overcoming trauma, breaking free from toxic relationships, and the realities of trafficking in today's world.