Indian Affairs new Predatory Crimes Unit announces five arrests on Winnebago Reservation

WINNEBAGO, NE - The Bureau of Indian Affairs Predatory Crimes Unit and the Winnebago Tribal Police Department, in coordination with federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement partners, conducted a two-day operation, targeting human trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children on and around the Winnebago Reservation.

"Protecting Native communities, especially children and other vulnerable victims, is one of our highest responsibilities," said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland. "I commend the Bureau of Indian Affairs special agents and our tribal, federal, state and local law enforcement partners for their outstanding work and unwavering commitment to bringing predators to justice. Under President Donald Trump's leadership and Secretary Doug Burgum's direction, the Department of the Interior established the Bureau of Indian Affairs Predatory Crimes Unit to strengthen our ability to investigate these heinous crimes and protect Indian Country. These arrests demonstrate our commitment to holding offenders accountable, supporting victims, and ensuring tribal communities are safer for future generations."

The operation resulted in the arrest of five individuals and one victim recovered.

• One adult male individual arrested for pandering prostitution
• Two adult male individuals arrested for soliciting prostitution
• Two adult male individuals arrested for attempting to engage in sexual activity with a minor, identified through an undercover operation
• One adult female victim was rescued and offered support services on scene

Suspects charged with pandering and solicitation of prostitution were booked in Woodbury County, Iowa. Suspects charged in connection with the child exploitation component of the operation were booked in Thurston County, Nebraska, with those cases being referred for potential federal prosecution.

The investigation was led by the BIA Predatory Crimes Unit, which was established under Secretary's Order 3450, signed by Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum on May 5, 2026, to strengthen the Department's efforts to investigate crimes against children and other vulnerable victims in Indian Country.

"These operations send a clear message to those who prey on children and exploit vulnerable people in Indian Country will be identified, pursued, and held accountable," said BIA Predatory Crimes Unit Acting Supervisory Special Agent Billy Stites. "Operations like this are only possible because of the trust and coordination among our tribal, federal, state and local partners, and I'm grateful for every agency that contributed. I also want to commend our victim services team. Arresting offenders is only part of the mission; ensuring survivors are met with care is just as critical. "

Indian Affairs extends its gratitude to all assisting agencies for their invaluable support, resources, and collaboration throughout this operation. The operation involved the BIA Predatory Crimes Unit, BIA Division of Drug Enforcement, BIA Victim Services, Winnebago Tribal Police Department, Wyandotte Nation Tribal Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Woodbury County Sheriff's Office, Thurston County Sheriff's Office, and the Nebraska State Patrol.

The BIA and its law enforcement partners remain committed to combating human trafficking and child exploitation in and around Indian Country and will continue to pursue coordinated enforcement efforts to protect residents and visitors alike.

All individuals arrested or charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

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