A man has been arrested on charges including felony animal cruelty, coercion with threats, and aggravated stalking after sending videos to a woman allegedly showing him abusing a small dog.
On November 4, the Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit responded to the Keystone RV Park on 4th Street, where they took control of a case from Reno Police, according to a release from the HEAT Unit.
The case involved a suspect, identified as 55-year-old David Olsen, currently under investigation by HEAT detectives.
Detectives discovered that Olsen had allegedly been sending videos to a woman showing him beating and choking her small dog.
The videos allegedly show Olsen saying the abuse would get worse the longer the victim remained away from him.
Detectives think this was a deliberate and cruel tactic to instill fear and coerce the victim to return.
This tactic is frequently used by traffickers and abusers to maintain control over victims, according to the HEAT Unit.
"This case demonstrates how abusers may use fear, violence, and psychological manipulation to maintain power and control, not only over their victims, but also through cruelty directed at the things they love," said the unit in its release.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional charges may be filed as evidence is reviewed.
Anyone with information about suspected human trafficking is encouraged to contact the Reno Police Department’s non-emergency line at (775) 334-2677.
You can also contact Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900 or secretwitness.com.
