Mission against human trafficking leads to arrest of 9 men (Photo)

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

June 15, 2024 2:08 p.m.

Follow @PortlandPolice

Nine men were arrested, a stolen weapon in illegal possession was seized and six providers were contacted by advocates during a recent mission led by the Police Bureau's Human Trafficking Unit (HTU). from Portland.

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, PPB conducted proactive anti-trafficking initiatives via directed patrols along 82nd Avenue Southeast. The following individuals were arrested or cited for ORS 167.008 Commercial Sexual Solicitation (CSS) and/or Portland City Code 14A.40.50 Unlawful Prostitutional 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 a loaded firearm in public (city code), first-degree theft by receiving stolen property, illegal possession of a firearm, held on parole/probation. A photo of the seized weapon is attached.

– Daniel J. Harding Ortiz, 24, of Gresham, Oregon, Clackamas County arrest warrant for second-degree larceny

During the mission, other potential buyers were identified, four vehicles towed and six service providers contacted. All providers were offered ongoing advocacy services and assistance. A woman has been rescued after being identified as missing in California. PPB’s Victim Services Unit worked diligently to arrange transportation to safely reunite her with her affected family.

HTU received assistance from the East, North and Central Precincts, Special Resources Division, Multnomah County Victim Services Unit, Probation and Parole, County Attorney's Office from Multnomah and community advocacy groups.

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

If you or someone you know is a victim of labor or sex trafficking, please call 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or report information to [email protected].

Last month, PPB released a podcast about efforts to combat sex trafficking in Portland. You can listen to it here:

Strategic Communications Unit
[email protected]
Telephone: 503-823-0830
1111 SW 2nd Avenue
Portland, OR 97204

Recent titles:

PPB News Archives

© OpenStreetMap Contributors