PORTLAND, Ore. — On Thursday, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB)'s Human Trafficking Unit went on a proactive mission to crack down on human trafficking, specifically along 82nd Avenue.
According to PPB, the following people 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):
- Jose Cruz Garcia, 34, of Hillsboro, OR
- MD Dim, 43, undisclosed
- Khalil Isaiev, 20, of Portland, OR
- Jauvon McKenith, 32, of Portland, OR (also cited for possession of a loaded firearm in public)
- Felix Pennington IV, 27, of Los Angeles, CA
- Joshua Poole, 33, of Portland, OR
Officers reported that during the mission, they seized one handgun, had two vehicles towed and contacted five providers, or victims. PPB says those victims were offered assistance with resources, and other advocacy efforts were made available to them.
"It's not just about putting people in handcuffs. We have our victim services unit. Human trafficking actually has victims' advocates on staff that work with them all the time... that's how busy they are," said Sgt. Kevin Allen with PPB. "Our focus as far as enforcement is on the traffickers and the buyers, and our focus on the providers is the advocacy and trying to give them an alternative."
He said that doesn't always happen right away, but the missions provide a starting point for contact and communication.
"Sometimes, we will make a connection during one mission and provide a phone number for them, and then the victim advocate may not hear from them for months or even years, and then they'll say, 'Hey, you know you connected with me. I'm ready to get out,'" Allen explained.
Allen said officers will remain dedicated to addressing this issue, in this area, and they have this message:
"It's really important for people who are considering engaging this type of activity to know that the police could be on the other end of the line."