The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Human Exploitation and Recovery Operations (H.E.R.O.) Team arrested Ivan Cruz, 37, following a targeted operation to combat human trafficking and child exploitation.
On February 12, 2026, H.E.R.O. detectives conducted a proactive operation targeting individuals seeking to exploit children online. During the operation, Cruz utilized a social media platform to contact and attempt to lure a child he believed to be 14 years old. He arranged to meet the child at a local park to engage in sexual conduct and encouraged the use of illicit narcotics, which he brought with him for their use.
After being taken into custody, Cruz was transported to the Washoe County Detention Facility and booked on the following felony charges:
- Attempted Statutory Sexual Seduction by a Person Over 21
- Attempted Kidnapping of a Minor
- Attempted Sexual Abuse of a Child (8 counts)
- Luring a Child with Use of a Computer
- Attempted Use of a Minor as the Subject of a Sexual Portrayal in a Performance
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
Additionally, he was charged with two misdemeanor counts:
- Attempted Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
“The work of our H.E.R.O. detectives is critical in eliminating the demand for the sexual exploitation of our community’s youth,” said Sheriff Darin Balaam. “These intolerable acts will not stand in Washoe County, and we will continue to aggressively pursue those who seek to exploit children. I urge parents and guardians to diligently monitor their children’s social media platforms and internet activity and to maintain open communication about online safety.”
This case remains an active investigation.
If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking or exploitation, help is available. 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 provide hope to those in need.
