On Thursday, April 23, more than 250 law enforcement agencies spanning 30 states launched synchronized operations to locate victims, apprehend traffickers and buyers, and confiscate criminal assets in what stands as one of the most extensive anti-human trafficking initiatives ever undertaken in the United States, according to the Human Exploitation and Trafficking/Reno Police Department news release.
Law enforcement identified 154 victims through Operation “Coast to Coast,” including 12 minors and one adult in her seventh month of pregnancy, the release said.
Authorities arrested 139 individuals, executed 108 search warrants, and confiscated over $500,000 in criminal assets, according to law enforcement.
The confiscated criminal assets comprised gold, silver, cash, and vehicles, the release said.
Law enforcement identified 36 of the search warrant locations as illicit massage businesses.
The Human Exploitation and Trafficking unit, in collaboration with the Regional Gang Unit and the Reno Police Department’s Mobile Engagement team, apprehended four individuals within its Northern Nevada jurisdiction.
The Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, and Washoe County School Police Department comprise the Human Exploitation and Trafficking unit.
Authorities arrested 35-year-old Donte Washington on pandering charges; 45-year-old Adam Brenner on an active failure to appear warrant related to a pending pandering domestic violence case; 40-year-old Darren Morgan on an active failure to appear warrant related to a pending pandering domestic violence case and an active failure to appear warrant related to a pending possession of a controlled substance case; and 47-year-old Len Sadler on an active absconded from parole and probation warrant, along with convicted person failure to register pending sentencing for two counts of pandering, according to the release.
Human trafficking operates as a $99 billion criminal industry in the United States, functioning in hotels, massage businesses, truck stops, and neighborhoods nationwide.
Authorities never identify most victims, and law enforcement never brings most traffickers to justice, the release said.
Years of coalition-building and coordinated teamwork produced Thursday’s operation, which authorities designed to change that reality.
“The HEAT unit is proud to play a role in protecting victims and holding offenders like this accountable,” the release said.
Those with information on sex trafficking or prostitution can email the Human Exploitation and Trafficking unit at [email protected].
For non-emergency matters, call the Reno Police Department at (775) 334-2121.
Anyone can submit anonymous tips to Secret Witness by calling or texting (775) 322-4900, or by email at secretwitness.com.
Leave a Comment