Carson City deputies, FBI take down sex trafficking ring involving 'significantly armed' suspects
The Carson City Sheriff’s Office received information on February 10th of an alleged Sex Trafficking operation out of California that had arrived in the local area on February 9th.
The original information alleged that approximately 9 persons were involved, including 3 males who were significantly armed. Due to the nature of the sex trafficking operation, the FBI’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Task Force was immediately engaged to assist.
The Sheriff’s Office received search warrants for multiple rooms and a vehicle at the America’s Best Value Inn on South Carson Street. Due to the threat level, the warrants were executed by SWAT, Special Enforcement, and FBI task force members at approximately 12:20. SWAT team members took four males and five females into custody. While searches are continuing, weapons and controlled substances have been seized.
In anticipation of the search warrant execution, the Sheriff’s Office engaged with local expert supportive services including Sexual Assault Advocates and Exquisite. These services were readily available prior to the operation initiation and provided direct support throughout the operation.
ARRESTS: This is an on-going investigation. Specific arrest information is not immediately available.
Sex Trafficking is Human Trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation and is often considered a form of human slavery. Anyone with information regarding sex or human trafficking is encouraged to contact their local, state, or federal authorities.