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.
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.
