Update October 26:
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office says out of the five arrested, 38-year-old Alexis James Bumpers is facing a felony charge of pandering.
Original story October 24:
Five people face charges after being arrested as part of a human trafficking operation.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office Human Exploitation and Recovery Operations (H.E.R.O.) Team conducted the targeted operation earlier this week.
As a result, five suspects were arrested and charged with engaging in prostitution or solicitation.
“Our focus is on protecting survivors, dismantling the networks that profit from exploitation, and most importantly, ending the demand that drives the sex trade. Exploitation thrives in silence, which is why we are committed to raising awareness, supporting survivors with dignity, and pursuing harsh penalties for those who fuel or profit from human suffering,” says Sheriff Darin Balaam
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, reach out for help. Contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office H.E.R.O. Unit at (775) 328-3048, submit tips via email at HERO-Tips@washoecounty.gov, or contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
(The Washoe County Sheriff's Office contributed to this report.)
