RPD NEWS RELEASE
Members of the Regional Street Enforcement Team (SET) conducted a prostitution operation focusing on downtown Reno. The main focus of the operation was designed to target the customers of prostitution, or the demand portion.
The Regional Street Enforcement Team believes impacting sex trafficking/exploitation begins with an aggressive campaign against the demand for illegal prostitution. Often the females who engage in prostitution are introduced at a young age and are often being exploited or trafficked by a physically controlling individual.
Although statistics vary from study to study, researchers believe the average age of a female trafficked and introduced into prostitution is 12-14 years old. The Regional Street Enforcement Team has recovered several sex trafficking victims between the ages of 12 and 16 from the streets of Reno, each of the past several years. SET believes the supply of exploited victims will decrease if the demand can be impacted and reduced by conducting frequent operations.
The following men were issued a citation or arrested for solicitation for prostitution:
- Jose Ramirez-Negrete, 41, Carson City resident – cited
- Jesus Luna, 50, Tulsa, Okla., resident – cited
- Vincent Olenik, 30, Reno resident – cited
- David Stoops, 35, Carson City resident – cited
- Daniel Rashidi, 24, Sparks resident – cited
- Christen Gomez, 35, Reno resident – arrested
The pre-designated bail/fine for solicitation for prostitution is $500. Individuals cited/arrested for solicitation for prostitution are also required to submit to blood testing for sexually transmitted diseases.
In addition to the men listed, SET detectives were contacted by two females and solicited for sex in exchange for money. One female received a citation while the second female was arrested for several charges. Representatives from Awaken Inc. participated with this operation and were on scene to provide resources to the females in an effort to assist them in exiting the life of prostitution.
The Regional Street Enforcement Team would like to remind residents and visitors to our community that all forms of prostitution are illegal in Reno, Sparks and Washoe County. Prostitution, outside of a licensed brothel, is illegal everywhere in Nevada.
The Regional Street Enforcement Team will continue to conduct operations in areas known for prostitution transactions and will continue to target the customers of prostitution.
The Regional Street Enforcement team comprises detectives from the Reno Police Department and Sparks Police Department.
Anyone having information relating to this crime or the suspect(s) should contact the Reno Police Department at 334-2115, Secret Witness at 322-4900 or www.secretwitness.com, or text the tip to 847411 (TIP 411) keyword – SW.
