On December 3 and 4, 2025, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Human Exploitation and Recovery Operations (H.E.R.O.) Team conducted targeted operations aimed at combating human trafficking in our region. The operation resulted in eight arrests, totaling fourteen felony charges, four misdemeanor charges, and two individuals contacted for advocacy services.
The following individuals were arrested and are currently in custody at the Washoe County Detention Facility on the listed charges:
Saul Jose-Ventura, 35
• Soliciting a Child for Prostitution (Felony)
• Attempted Child Abuse Involving Sexual Exploitation (Felony)
Moses Ellis, 26
• Soliciting a Child for Prostitution (Felony)
• Attempted Child Abuse Involving Sexual Exploitation (Felony)
• Attempted Kidnapping of a Minor (Felony)
Ian Stanbery, 35
• Attempted Statutory Sexual Seduction (Felony)
• Attempted Child Abuse Involving Sexual Exploitation (Felony)
• Attempted Kidnapping of a Minor (Felony)
• Attempted Use of a Minor in Sexual Portrayal (Felony)
• Luring a Child with Use of a Computer (Felony)
Ritchie Casimir, 29
• Soliciting a Child for Prostitution (Felony)
• Attempted Child Abuse Involving Sexual Exploitation (Felony)
• Displaying Bogus Plates (Misdemeanor)
Jon Lundahl, 67
• Soliciting a Child for Prostitution (Felony)
• Attempted Child Abuse Involving Sexual Exploitation (Felony)
Additionally, three individuals who were arrested and have since been released from custody were each charged with misdemeanor Customer Engaging in Prostitution.
Technical assistance and training for this operation were provided by the Ray County (MO), Butler County (KS), and Greenwood County (KS) Sheriff’s Offices, as well as the Peoria and Goodyear (AZ) Police Departments.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please reach out for help. Contact the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office H.E.R.O. Team at Hero-Tips@washoecounty.gov or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Together, we can work to end exploitation and bring hope to those in need.
