RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – The Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit intensified its focus in 2025, targeting the most severe offenders, including sex traffickers and individuals exploiting or attempting to exploit children. The unit also pursued those who create demand for commercial sex and operators of illegal brothels and businesses masquerading as legitimate operations.
These efforts led to 143 arrests and 287 criminal charges, with the majority being felony offenses. The HEAT team successfully recovered 55 victims, comprising 18 juvenile females and 37 adult females. Victim advocates are actively working with these individuals, providing crucial support for stability and structure to aid in their healing and transition to healthy lives.
In 2025, the HEAT unit secured 60 convictions, resulting in a combined total of 700 years of sentencing for human trafficking offenders, including six life sentences…