VANGUNDY, JASON

Mesa Police Department’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEaT) Squad arrested Jason Vangundy for prostituting 16 and 17 year old girls out of valley hotels.

Police said Jason Vangundy (37) met several teen girls through online apps, and went on to buy them cell phones to use to arrange sexual encounters.

One victim told police that Vangundy had four runaway girls living in his apartment and arranged for them to have sexual encounters with unknown men in exchange for money.

One victim said that she felt compelled to perform the sexual acts because he provided her with food, shelter and a cell phone. Two other victims are still outstanding. They are believed to be 16 and 17 years old.

After his arrest, Vangundy allegedly admitted to housing two girls, providing them cell phones and hotel rooms. He also admitted to receiving money from one of the girls but denied any involvement with anything related to prostitution.

Vangundy now faces child sex trafficking, child sex trafficking transportation, illegal control of an enterprise with minors and money laundering charges.

“The arrest of Vangundy is a great example of the hard work and determination exhibited daily by our HEaT Detectives. The important cases they work to save lives,” Mesa PD said in their release. “If you or someone you know is the victim of human exploitation or trafficking, please contact your local police department.”