MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - The Butte County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) announced the arrest of Zydia Saunders of Marysville, 25, for human sex trafficking of a minor victim. On June 16, Butte County Sheriff’s Office deputies were contacted by a victim who reported his firearm had been stolen. Deputies determined the victim’s firearm was stolen by a female working as a prostitute, who was later identified as Zydia Saunders.

On July 01, a BCSO detective acting in an undercover capacity began communicating via telephone with Saunders. Saunders told the undercover detective she was willing to have sex for $230. Saunders then asked the undercover detective if he/she wanted “two girls” for $500. The undercover detective agreed and made arrangements to meet Saunders at a local motel on July 02.

On July 02, Saunders contacted the undercover detective via telephone and stated she and another female were walking through the motel parking lot. Undercover detectives contacted Saunders and a minor victim. Saunders was placed under arrest and the minor victim was transported to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office so she could receive services from Butte County Children Services.

During an interview Saunders admitted she brought the minor victim to the motel so the minor victim could perform sexual acts for money. Saunders also admitted she brought the minor victim to at least three other prostitution meetings where Saunders and the minor victim performed sexual acts on adult men in exchange for money.

Saunders was arrested for four felony counts of pimping a minor victim, one felony count of human trafficking a minor victim, and one felony count of child endangerment. Saunders’ bail was set at $300,000. This investigation is ongoing. The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with additional information to contact Detective Mary Barker at (530) 538-7671.