The Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit intensified its enforcement efforts throughout Northern Nevada in 2025, focusing on the most serious offenders involved in sex trafficking and the exploitation of children, according to newly released figures.
The unit targeted sex traffickers, individuals attempting to exploit minors, those creating demand for commercial sex, and operators of illegal brothels and businesses posing as legitimate enterprises. Those efforts resulted in 143 arrests and 287 criminal charges, the majority of which were felony offenses.
Investigators also recovered 55 victims during the year, including 18 juvenile females and 37 adult females. Victim advocates are currently working with those rescued, providing support services designed to bring stability, promote healing, and assist with their transition to safer and healthier lives.
In court, the HEAT unit secured 60 convictions in 2025, leading to a combined total of approximately 700 years in sentencing for human trafficking offenders. Six of those convictions resulted in life sentences.
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