Washoe County’s H.E.R.O. Team spent two days focused on stopping human trafficking and wrapped up the week with a series of arrests that deputies say reflect ongoing work in the region.
According to the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, in an online post, Deputies from the Human Exploitation and Recovery Operations Team carried out targeted efforts on December 3 and 4.
The operation led to eight arrests, totaling fourteen felony charges and four misdemeanor charges. Deputies also connected two people with advocacy services.
According to deputies, five people remained in custody at the Washoe County Detention Facility following the operation.
Deputies said 35-year-old Saul Jose Ventura was arrested on suspicion of soliciting a child for prostitution and attempted child abuse involving sexual exploitation, both felonies. Also arrested was 26-year-old Moses Ellis, who was arrested on suspicion of soliciting a child for prostitution, attempted child abuse involving sexual exploitation, and attempted kidnapping of a minor, all felonies.
Deputies said 35-year-old Ian Stanbery was arrested on suspicion of attempted statutory sexual seduction, attempted child abuse involving sexual exploitation, attempted kidnapping of a minor, attempted use of a minor in sexual portrayal, and luring a child with use of a computer, all felonies.
They said 29-year-old Ritchie Casimir was arrested on suspicion of soliciting a child for prostitution and attempted child abuse involving sexual exploitation, both felonies, along with displaying bogus plates, a misdemeanor.
Deputies also said 67-year-old Jon Lundahl was arrested on suspicion of soliciting a child for prostitution and attempted child abuse involving sexual exploitation, both felonies.
Deputies said three other people were arrested during the operation and later released. Each was charged with misdemeanor customer engaging in prostitution.
Deputies encouraged anyone affected by trafficking to reach out for support. They said people can contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office H.E.R.O. Team at Hero Tips at washoecounty.gov or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 888 373 7888.
