In a coordinated effort between the Portland Police Bureau and the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, ten individuals found themselves facing criminal charges following a joint human trafficking operation in east Multnomah County on September 12th, 2023. The operation targeted individuals seeking to purchase sex, ultimately revealing a grim reality of those willing to exploit others.
The individuals arrested in this operation ranged in age from 25 to 51. Among them, one individual had agreed to purchase sex from an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old, a disturbing revelation that underlines the urgency of combating human trafficking.
During the operation, law enforcement officers seized a variety of items, including cash, cell phones, and even a firearm, highlighting the potential dangers associated with such criminal activities.
The most severe charges were levied against Heriberto Marin-Marin, a 33-year-old resident of Vancouver, Washington, who had agreed to purchase sex with a minor. Marin-Marin was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of Purchasing Sex with a Minor and Commercial Sexual Solicitation.
The remaining individuals involved were each issued criminal citations for Commercial Sexual Solicitation and are required to report to court at a later date. Their names and ages are as follows:
- Travis L. Knoy, 25, Milwaukie, OR
- Kyle L. Hanson, 50, Portland, OR
- Matthew G. Barber, 50, Maple Valley, WA
- Aleksandr S. Beglets, 35, Portland, OR
- Stephen J. Hanlon, 51, Portland, OR
- Nathan P. Strickland, 36, Portland, OR
- Dmytro Peter Narolskyi, 31, Vancouver, WA
- Cheldon A. Chriestenson, 33, Gresham, OR
- Dion M. Webster, 27, Portland, OR
The operation follows an alarming increase in complaints from community members and businesses regarding human trafficking activities across Oregon. Furthermore, officers have observed a surge in referrals related to such activities. To combat this issue, task force officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) were present during the mission. Additionally, members from the MCSO Detectives Unit and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office joined the effort, demonstrating the collaborative approach being taken to address this critical concern.
Arresting buyers, as seen in this operation, is a crucial step in reducing the demand for illegal sexual services and protecting potential victims from exploitation.
A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Source: PPB
