Human Trafficking Missions Result in Arrests

Throughout the months of January and February, PPB continued focused patrol efforts along Northeast 82nd Avenue and Northeast Sandy Boulevard in response to ongoing community complaints and observed nuisance/livability activity related to sex trafficking. These were collaborative efforts among the Human Trafficking Unit (HTU), East Precinct, Central Precinct Entertainment Detail, Detective Division, Victim Services Unit, Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, Multnomah County Parole & Probation, Oregon State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Safety Compass.

The following individuals were arrested or cited for ORS 167.008 Commercial Sexual Solicitation (CSS) and/or Portland City Code 14A.40.50 Unlawful Prostitution Procurement Activities (UPPA), and other charges where noted:

Hurst, David William, 31, Vancouver, WA

Rene-Lora, Yuxdiel, 32, Portland, OR

Jackson, Deandre Denard, 24, Clarksville, TN

Whitt, David Ray, 35, Oregon City, OR

Marandyuk, Anatoliy Georgiyevich, 35, Happy Valley, OR

Diaz Perez, Alejandro, 50, Madras, OR

Amer, Abdulelah Ahmed, 27, Beaverton, OR

Ruiz Angel, Pablo, 21, Portland, OR

Abdullahi, Macanow Jeylani, 38, Portland, OR

Alvez-Garcia, Jesus Azael, 20, Portland, OR

Umanets, Oleksandr, 29, Vancouver, WA

Ezra, Karatel Junior, 37, Tigard, OR (Driving While Suspended-misdemeanor)

Smith, Sirray Willie Zyshawn, 27, Portland, OR

Vargas Ramirez, Jose Manuel, 34, Portland, OR

During this timeframe, numerous providers were contacted through Officers or advocates and were offered assistance or connection to resources. Additional information was gathered related to other suspected buyers, suspected traffickers, and ongoing trafficking investigations. HTU continues to utilize the partnership of PPB's Victim Services Unit and Safety Compass for street level outreach for provider contacts. Safety Compass is a non-profit organization that offers advocacy services to individuals under the age of 25 who identify as survivors of commercial sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

HTU cases are complex with several identified barriers such as repeated traumatic exposures, trauma bonds with traffickers, and fear of retaliation. The survivors in these cases are often reluctant to come forward, make a report, and/or continue through the criminal justice process. HTU continues to offer trauma-informed, victim-centered services, in conjunction with PPB Victim Services Unit advocates and community-based partnerships like Safety Compass.

Human trafficking is a pervasive and deeply harmful crime that targets vulnerable individuals, often children, and subjects them to ongoing abuse and exploitation. It is fueled by demand and perpetuated by those who seek to profit from human suffering.

The Portland Police Bureau considers the identification and protection of trafficking victims a top priority. Through specialized units like HTU and close collaboration with MCDA and other partners, PPB is focused on proactive investigations, victim outreach, and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.

In May 2024, the Portland Police Bureau offered an episode of the Talking Beat features a discussion on the Human Trafficking Unit in Portland, emphasizing collaborative efforts to combat juvenile sex trafficking, support victims, and hold offenders accountable while prioritizing a victim-centered approach. You can listen to the podcast here.

You can subscribe to The Talking Beat Podcast here.

And in 2023, PPB debuted a video on the problem and devastating impacts of sex trafficking. Watch it here.

If you know or suspect someone is being trafficked, please call 911, PPB's non-emergency line 503-823-3333, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888. Non-emergency Portland related tips can also be reported to: [email protected]….