A two-day operation targeting people seeking illegal commercial sex activity in Washoe County led to nine arrests and the recovery of two victims.
The Regional Human Exploitation and Trafficking, or HEAT, Unit worked with the Regional Gang Unit, Reno Police Department's Mobile Engagement Team, Real Time Intelligence Center analysts, Reno Police Department's RAPTOR Unit, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office HAWK Unit, and the Nevada Threat Analysis Center during the operation.
Investigators said the operation focused on identifying and arresting adults accused of attempting to purchase sex from children, as well as people involved in the sexual exploitation of children and adults.
During the two-day operation, investigators arrested nine people who arrived at a meeting location. Authorities alleged the arrests involved crimes related to attempting to engage in prostitution with adults and children. Investigators also recovered two victims of human exploitation and trafficking and provided them with resources.
Those arrested were:
Jeffrey Brown, 62, alleged Soliciting Prostitution
Gabriel Serpaio, 24, alleged Lure a Child with the Use of a Computer, Attempted Statutory Sexual Seduction and Permit a minor to be subject of sexual portrayal
Steven Davis, 42, alleged Soliciting Prostitution
Luis Sanchez Herrera, 31, alleged Soliciting Prostitution
Rodolfo Garcia Segura, 27, alleged Soliciting a Child for Prostitution and Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation
Armando Lara Marquez, 21, alleged Soliciting a Child for Prostitution and Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation
Axel Lopez, 33, alleged Possession of Schedule 1 Controlled Substance, Possession of Schedule 4 Controlled Substance and Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation
Orion Hartmann, 22, alleged Lure a Child with the Use of a Computer, Attempted Statutory Sexual Seduction and Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation
Mohammad Karami, 27, alleged Lure a Child with the Use of a Computer, Attempted Statutory Sexual Seduction and Attempted Child Abuse for Sexual Exploitation
The HEAT Unit is a regional task force made up of detectives from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, and Washoe County School Police Department. The task force investigates human exploitation and sex trafficking across Northern Nevada, while victim advocates work alongside detectives to provide support, crisis intervention, and resources to victims.
Investigations remain active. Anyone with information related to these cases, sex trafficking, or prostitution is encouraged to contact the HEAT Unit at RPDHEAT@renogov or HEAT-Tips@washoecounty.gov or submit anonymous tips through Secret Witness via text at (775) 322-4900 or online at secretwitness.com.
