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PORTLAND, Ore. — Sixteen people were arrested yesterday (Wednesday) on charges related to prostitution by the Portland Police Bureau’s Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) in an ongoing effort to stop criminal activity in a residential neighborhood.
Illegal Activities Affect the Livability of Neighborhood
The HTU concentrated its presence along Northeast 82nd Avenue and Northeast Sandy Boulevard following complaints by residents that unlawful activities were affecting ‘the livability of the neighborhood.’
Yesterday, the HTU was supported by East, North, and Central Precinct Patrol officers, Detectives, the Special Resources Division, the Victim Services Unit, and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
Also taking part in the clean-up operation were representatives of Safety Compass, a non-profit organization that offers advocacy services to individuals under the age of 25 who identify as survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking.
Arrested or Cited for Sexual Solicitation and Unlawful Prostitution Procurement
Sixteen people were arrested or cited for Commercial Sexual Solicitation and/or Unlawful Prostitution Procurement Activities. They are Austin Agner (28), Davut Basdas (24), Carlos Canul Chan (40), Josue Corea-Cruz (36), Ivan Cortes Ortega (39), Silber Cruz-Rivas (39), Eric Davis (52), Ivan Ezquivel Ortega (38), Giorgeldi Islen Reus (42), Samargul Kattakhail (39), Daniel Koroteyev (23), Mohammad Mirkhail (25), Axel Rivas (18), Jose Ruiz (51), Felix Villa Lopez (44), and Brandon Welch (44).
HTU cases are complex with those involved fearing retaliation, suffering repeated traumatic exposures, and having trauma bonds with traffickers.
Survivors are often reluctant to come forward and make a report to the police and/or to continue persevering with their complaints through the criminal justice process.
Meanwhile, the Portland HTU continues to offer trauma-informed, victim-centered services in conjunction with PPB Victim Services Unit advocates and community-based partnerships like Safety Compass.
The Portland Police Department appeals to readers who know or suspect someone of being trafficked to call 911, PPB’s non-emergency line 503-823-3333, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888. Tips can also be reported to: [email protected].
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