California felon busted for trying to recruit undercover cop for prostitution

ANAHEIM, Calif. - If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, there is help available. Talk to highly trained anti-trafficking advocates at the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888, or by texting 233733.

(Anaheim PD)

ANAHEIM, Calif. – A convicted felon found himself on the wrong side of the law once again after authorities said he used social media to recruit an undercover police officer to work for him as a prostitute.

Officials with the Anaheim Police Department said the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF) was conducting an undercover operation in which 35-year-old Lawrence Henderson, of Stockton, was in touch with the officer who was posing as a woman on social media. 

On Wednesday, Dec. 11, Henderson agreed to make the drive from Northern California to Orange County to meet her. When he arrived at the discussed location, the woman he thought he was communicating with wasn't there. Instead, he was met by law enforcement and was subsequently arrested by OCHTTF investigators. 

Anaheim PD added he was in possession of a loaded firearm that was equipped with a high-capacity magazine. Also, investigators found a loaded 50-round drum magazine in Henderson’s vehicle. 

Henderson was arrested and booked for pimping, pandering, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of ammunition by a prohibited person and a parole violation.