The former Reno Police Department deputy chief, Thomas Robinson, is currently out on bail, set to $30,000 with a 10% bondable cash option, and no longer in custody.

Robinson also represented himself while at the bail hearing.

According to the Washoe County Justice Courts, his next hearing will be on October 27.

ORIGINAL STORY

Thirteen people, including a former RPD deputy chief, face charges in connection with a two-day operation involving child sex crimes in the Reno area. 

Reno Police say the Regional Human Exploitation and Trafficking (H.E.A.T.) unit conducted the operation at a home in northwest Reno earlier this week.

However, this was just a regular, run-of-the-mill operation for the unit.

"We didn't know any of that information about the deputy chief prior to this operation taking place," said Chris Johnson, Public Information Officer, Reno Police Department. "That was information that arose during the middle of the operation on the second day. "

Police say the operation targeted adults trying to buy sex from minors as well as suspects involved in sexual exploitation of both minors and adults.

Johnson says that during the investigation, the undercover detectives make it really clear they are portraying a child.

"Detectives told these individuals how old they were, that they were a minor, whether they were 13, 15, 17 years old, and then there would be some sort of talk about some sex acts occurring at the residence," he said.

Johnson says the undercover detectives also tell the suspects how much it will cost to have sex with the supposed child.

Once the buyers show up at the house, they leave in handcuffs.

Police say one suspect showed up to have sex with what he believed to be a 9-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy.

Another suspect, Thomas Robinson, is a former Reno Police Deputy Chief.

Robinson worked under former Reno Police Chief Jason Soto before he retired in January 2024. He served 28 years with RPD.

The deputy chief role no longer exists under the current Chief Kathryn Nance, but the position would oversee several divisions in the police station. Johnson said he did not know if Robinson had oversight over the H.E.A.T. unit or any sex crimes unit.

He also said it's too early in the investigation to know if there are real victims, but said Robinson was not suspected during his tenure with RPD.

"We have no information leading us to believe he was involved in any activity of that nature during his time at RPD," Johnson said.

Reno police are not ruling anything out, though.

"A major concern is the possibility that this is not the first time these individuals have engaged in such behavior. Detectives were contacted by suspects through various online platforms as well as social media. During these conversations, the individuals arranged to meet with an undercover detective, posing as a minor, for the purpose of engaging in sexual activity," police say. 

Those arrested are:

* Arrested - Rick Harness - Soliciting a 17-year-old female Child for Prostitution and Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation

* Arrested - Alejandro Huizar-Salas - Luring of a 14-year-old female Child, Attempted Statutory Sex by Person 21 or Older, Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation, Attempted Use of Child for Sexual Portrayal, and Resist Public Officer

* Arrested - William Cory - Soliciting a 17-year-old female Child for Prostitution, Attempted Use of a Child for Sexual Portrayal, and Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation

* Arrested - Ever Noe Martinez Solorro - Conspiracy to Commit Sexual Assault of a 9-year-old female Child, Conspiracy to Commit Sexual Assault of a 3-year-old male Child, Attempted Sexual Assault of a Child X2, Attempted Lewdness of a Child X2, and Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation X2

* Arrested - Austin Collins - Soliciting a 16-year-old Child for Prostitution, Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation, and Solicit an Adult for Prostitution

* Arrested - Willie Starks – Pandering

* Arrested – Nathan Neal - Luring of a 15-year-old male Child, Attempted Kidnapping, Attempted Statutory Sex by Person 21 or Older, Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation, Possession of a Controlled Substance X2

* Arrested – Courtney Leverett – Conspiracy to Commit Sexual Assault of a 13-year-old male child, Attempted Sexual Assault of a 13-year-old Child, Attempted Lewdness with a Child, Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation, Attempt to Furnish a Dangerous Drug to a Minor, Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales, Intentionally Expose others to a Dangerous Disease

* Alfred Terry Johnson - Solicit a 16-year-old Child for Prostitution and Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation

* Gurpreet Singh - Solicit a 16-year-old Child for Prostitution, Attempted Kidnapping, and Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation

* Thomas Robinson - Solicit a 17-year-old Child for Prostitution, and Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation

* Andrew Dressler - Attempt to Furnish a Dangerous Drug to a 14-year-old Minor, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Attempted Abuse of a Child

* Edward Joseph Clerici Parker – Attempted Statutory Sexual Seduction of a 15-year-old Child, Attempt to lure a Child with a Computer for Sex, and Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation

The H.E.A.T. unit is comprised of detectives from the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, and the Washoe County School District Police Department.

Police urge parents and guardians to keep a close eye on their children's social media and online activity. Talk openly with your child, set clear rules about internet use, and use parental controls if needed. They say in an age-appropriate way, explain that no adult should ask them to keep secrets, send pictures, give gifts for no reason, or make them feel uncomfortable. Also, watch for warning signs like secretive behavior, mood changes, sudden gifts or money, or pulling away from family and friends. Staying involved and aware is one of the best ways to help keep your child safe. 

Johnson says he does not want the community to lose trust in the police department. He says they will be as transparent as they can about this case.

"With every profession, there are a few bad apples, and police officers are the most critical of each other," he said. "We do not want to have somebody within the police department who is conducting illegal activity outside of the police department or things like that."

This is an ongoing investigation, and we will update you as soon as we get more information.