Human Trafficking Mission Results in Arrests of 9 Men (Photo)

June 15, 2024 14:08

Nine men were arrested, an illegally possessed stolen gun was seized, and six providers were contacted by advocates during a recent mission led by the Portland Police Bureau’s Human Trafficking Unit (HTU).

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, PPB conducted proactive anti-trafficking initiatives via directed patrol along Southeast 82nd Avenue. The following individuals were arrested or cited for ORS 167.008 Commercial Sexual Solicitation (CSS) and/or Portland City Code 14A.40.50 Unlawful Prostitution Procurement Activities (UPPA):

- Ismael Gonzaga-Pedroza, 22, of Forest Grove, Oregon
- Robert Casper, 45, of Onalaska, Washington
- Braulio L. Lazaro, 50, of Vancouver, Washington
- Guerner Ramirez Fuentes, 44, of Portland
- Alejando Ibarra, 41, of Vancouver, Washington
- Firaol Gecho, 22, of Portland
- Habtamu Egata, 51, of Milwaukie, Oregon

These individuals were also contacted and arrested for the following crimes:

- Shauntae D. Kindred, 46, of Portland, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of Loaded Firearm in Public (city code), Theft in the First Degree by Receiving Stolen Property, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Parole/Probation Detainer. A photo of the seized gun is attached.

- Daniel J. Harding Ortiz, 24, of Gresham, Oregon, Clackamas County warrant for Theft in the Second Degree

During the mission, there were other potential buyers identified, four vehicles towed, and six providers contacted. All providers were offered services and ongoing advocacy assistance. One female was rescued after she was identified as missing from California. PPB’s Victim Services Unit worked diligently to arrange transportation to safely reunify her with concerned family.

HTU had assistance from East, North, and Central Precincts, Special Resources Division, Victim Services Unit, Multnomah County Probation and Parole, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, and community-based advocacy groups.

PPB and HTU continue to receive several livability complaints from community members, organizations, and business partners regarding rampant illegal activity along this stretch of 82nd Avenue. HTU cases are complex, with several identified barriers such as repeated traumatic exposures, trauma bonds with traffickers, and fear of retaliation. The victims in these cases are often reluctant to come forward, make a report, and/or continue through the criminal justice process. HTU continues to offer trauma-informed, victim-centered services, in conjunction with PPB Victim Services Unit advocates and community-based partnerships.

If you or someone you know is being labor or sex trafficked, please call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or report tips to humantrafficking@police.portlandoregon.gov.

Last month, PPB released a podcast on efforts to combat sex trafficking in Portland. You can listen to it here:
https://www.portland.gov/police/news/2024/5/8/talking-beat-sex-trafficking-portland

And last September, PPB debuted a video on the problem and devastating impacts of sex trafficking:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoNshXUDAJw

On January 11, 2024, the Portland Police Bureau Human Trafficking Unit, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Team & Survivor and Advocate Robin Miller received the Oregon Department of Justice Human Trafficking Response and Intervention Team Impact Award for working together to better serve victims and survivors of sex trafficking. See more on the award here:

https://youtube.com/shorts/nfh0lBAszXs

photo description: black semiautomatic handgun with red aftermarket grip and mounted accessory, slide locked back, displayed next to a loaded ammunition magazine

###PPB###

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