The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office says its Human Exploitation and Recovery Operations (H.E.R.O.) team ran a targeted operation in Washoe County on Wednesday that led to five arrests. Authorities say those arrested were charged with engaging in prostitution or solicitation as part of the sweep.
According to WCSO Facebook post, the operation took place on Wednesday and resulted in five people being taken into custody. The post quoted Sheriff Darin Balaam saying the office’s focus is on "protecting survivors, dismantling the networks that profit from exploitation."
What the H.E.R.O. team does
The H.E.R.O. unit, created in 2024, describes its mission as "to protect the most vulnerable members of society by dismantling trafficking networks, preventing exploitation, and offering recovery to victims with compassion and dignity," according to the HERO unit page. The unit includes detectives from the sheriff’s office and partner agencies and works with victim advocates to connect survivors with services.
Recent H.E.R.O. activity
County news releases show H.E.R.O. has run several targeted operations this year that produced recoveries and arrests. For example, a June operation led to multiple arrests and two victim recoveries, as detailed by Washoe Life.
How to report or get help
People with information or anyone who needs help can contact the H.E.R.O. tip line at (775) 328-3048 or email [email protected], per the HERO unit page. For national assistance, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Legal notes
Under Nevada law, engaging in prostitution or solicitation is generally a misdemeanor; see NRS 201.354. More serious offenses such as pandering or sex‑trafficking can be charged as felonies under NRS 201.300, and prosecutors may pursue additional counts if investigations uncover coercion, trafficking or related crimes.
