Portland Police Continues To Crack Down On Sex Trafficking – KXL

PORTLAND, Ore. – More than 20 people have arrested or cited since late July for alleged sex trafficking.

Portland Police has joined multiple agencies for focused enforcement efforts along Northeast 82nd Avenue and Northeast Sandy Boulevard in response to growing community concerns and persistent livability issues tied to sex trafficking.

Twenty people were arrested or cited for charges including commercial sexual solicitation and unlawful prostitution procurement activities.

The individuals arrested include:

• Dires Akalu, 45, Portland

• Josue Bernabe-Gonzales, 25, Kelso, Wash.

• Tomas Bulux-Velasquez, 32, Vancouver, Wash.

• Todd Campbell, 26, Spanaway, Wash.

• Jordin Chacaj-Lopez, 23, Hillsboro

• Pedro Francisco-Mateo, 48, Portland

• Samuel Gavrilita, 21, Vancouver, Wash.

• Elias Garcia-Perez, 26, Vancouver, Wash.

• Melito Guillermo, 20, Portland

• Jason Kobbe, 24, Beaverton

• Julien Krein, 24, Gresham

• Jose Luengo-Bastarrica, 29, Portland

• Oscar Martinez-Amaro, 25, Portland

• Paul Newton, 52, Mt. Angel

• Brandon Pedroza, 32, Sherwood

• Jermick Phaynid, 24, Portland

• Kevin Shults, 66, Portland

• Matthew Stoner, 32, Portland

• Alejandro Vargas-Manzano, 46, Gresham

• Kevin Zurita-Varela, 19, Portland

Officers also towed five vehicles, recovered at least one firearm, and collected intelligence related to suspected traffickers and buyers.