Six arrested in Douglas County sheriff's undercover operation targeting human trafficking
Six men were arrested in an undercover operation targeting alleged human trafficking and other sex crimes in the Stateline area at Lake Tahoe, according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
Members of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Investigations Division — in coordination with the Douglas County Street Enforcement Team, and Reno Police Department Human Exploitation and Trafficking — conducted the undercover operation Friday, according to a news release.
Five suspects were arrested for various human trafficking charges. The continued investigation also led to an arrest of a sixth suspect on Saturday, March 30, in Minden.
The following were booked for the alleged crimes:
— Richard Brieger, a 25-year-old from Reno was arrested for alleged attempted luring a child under the age of 16, attempted statutory sexual seduction, attempted child abuse. Bail amount $60,000.
— Edward Lin, a 44-year-old from Walnut Creek, Calif., was arrested for alleged attempted statutory sexual seduction, attempted solicitation of a minor 14+, and attempted child abuse. Bail amount $110,000.
— Alec Caples, a 27-year-old from South Lake Tahoe, Calif., was arrested for alleged attempted statutory sexual seduction, attempted luring a child under the age of 16, attempted child abuse, attempt to use a minor in sexual portrayal, and attempted kidnapping in the second degree. Bail amount $185,015.
— Hiral Patel, a 41-year-old from South lake Tahoe, Calif., was arrested for alleged misdemeanor engaging/solicitation of prostitution and resisting arrest. Bail amount $1,880.
— Ivan Perez, a 20-year-old from South Lake Tahoe, Calif., was arrested for alleged misdemeanor, engaging/solicitation of prostitution. Bail amount $640.
— Meanwhile, on Saturday, March 30 in Minden, Matthew Hall, a 26-year-old from Reno was arrested for alleged attempted lewdness with a child under the age of 14, attempted luring a child under the age of 16, attempt to use of a minor for production of pornography under the age of 14, attempted child abuse, and Attempted Statutory sexual seduction. Bail amount $260,015.
The Douglas County Sheriff's Office Investigation Division is asking the public to contact them if they have any information on the case. DCSO can be reached at 775-782-9905.