In its ongoing effort to crack down on sex trafficking, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) has continued to conduct targeted patrols along Northeast 82nd Avenue and Northeast Sandy Boulevard, a press release from the PPB reported. The bureau has been responding to continued community concerns and an array of nuisance and livability issues related to the illegal trade.
The Portland Police Bureau has enlisted the collaboration of various agencies, including the PPB’s Human Trafficking Unit, North Precinct Priority Project, and others like the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Oregon State Police, and the FBI to help address the problem. Since late July, these patrols have led to multiple arrests and citations for offences spanning from Commercial Sexual Solicitation to Unlawful Prostitution Procurement Activities, as detailed in the press release obtained by Portland.gov.
Among the individuals caught up in the string of arrests were Dires Akalu, 45, Pedro Francisco-Mateo, 48, and Kevin Shults, 66, demonstrating that those involved in the trafficking realm span a diverse age range. The operations also yielded the towing of five vehicles, the recovery of at least one firearm, and additional intelligence concerning the activities of suspected buyers and traffickers.
With the intent to offer support and connect them to services, 21 individuals who were believed to be involved in the sex trade were contacted by officers and advocates, including representatives from Safety Compass, a non-profit offering trauma-informed advocacy. The victims associated with these cases often face barriers to assistance and justice due to repeated trauma and a fear of retaliation, as highlighted in the Portland.gov news release. PPB and its partner agencies remain committed to providing victim-centered, trauma-informed services.
Law enforcement encourages the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspected trafficking situations through the PPB’s non-emergency line, 911 in emergencies, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Anonymous tips related to Portland can be sent to [email protected]. This information-sharing could be crucial in aiding the apprehension of offenders and the support of survivors in the long-term battle against human trafficking.
