WSP operation nets a dozen arrests for human trafficking, prostitution
Dec 3, 2025, 5:39 PM
A photo of a Washington State Patrol patch. (Photo courtesy of the Washington State Patrol)
(Photo courtesy of the Washington State Patrol)
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has made a dozen arrests in connection with human trafficking and prostitution.
“Operation Human Freight” began on November 25 when detectives set up a base at a truck stop in northern Pierce County near the I-5 corridor.
“The law enforcement effort used undercover detectives to identify and assist individuals involved in human trafficking and prostitution,” a WSP press release stated. “The operation was initiated by WSP’s Commercial Vehicle Division (CVD) based on observed activity near truck stops in Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties.”
“Officers were focused on identifying individuals involved in promoting prostitution as well as potential victims of human trafficking,” the release continued. “The goal of the operation was to identify victims and provide them with access to available resources.”
Advocates from Kitsap County and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) were on scene to provide services and contact information to the victims, WSP said.
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Among those arrested was a 41-year-old Tacoma man with 19 prior felony convictions.
He was arrested and booked into the Pierce County Jail for human trafficking and promoting prostitution.
Police said they also identified 11 women who they believe to be victims of prostitution and/or human trafficking.
“Prostitution is illegal, right? So those females are ‘arrested,'” WSP Det. Sgt. Jason Greer said. “However, we don’t actually charge it to the prosecutor’s office. We take a victim-centered approach on prostitution and trafficking and don’t go after the victims themselves. Instead, we go after the trafficker behind the scenes.”
Law enforcement will continue to work to take down criminal organizations.
“This operation demonstrates our determination to hold traffickers accountable and safeguard vulnerable members of our community,” WSP Chief John Batiste said. “We will continue to work closely with our local, state, and federal partners to disrupt these criminal networks.”
Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.
