Reno Police detectives from the Regional Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit played a key role in Operation Coast to Coast, a nationwide effort that resulted in the arrest of 17 individuals on September 18, 2026. The operation, which began in 2024 under the Human Trafficking Training Center, aims to make human trafficking inhospitable across America.
Operation Overview
Operation Coast to Coast is a collaborative initiative that brings together more than 250 law‑enforcement agencies and partner organizations, including Safe House Project, Our Rescue, Traffic Jam, and Delta Air Lines. Conducted from the New Jersey State Police Regional Operations Intelligence Center, the multi‑state effort provided services to 74 adult victims and five juvenile victims, one of whom was a 1‑year‑old child.
The operation resulted in 125 arrests across 22 states and the recovery of at least $1,017,975 in cash and assets.
Reno’s Contribution
Reno detectives helped identify and apprehend the following individuals, all charged with solicitation of prostitution as customers, with additional charges for some:
- Kevin Finnerty, 26
- Waylon Hicks, 34 – possession of a dangerous weapon
- Jeremy Michaud, 51
- Andrew Bates, 56
- Li Zhao, 38
- Alejandro Serna, 37
- Zachary Sanchez, 26
- Ivan Lopez‑Gomez, 24
- Jonathan Lemus, 38
- Yoiman Barbosa‑Vera, 30
- Roberto Chagolla‑Gonzalez, 42
- Thomas Wheeler, 47 – possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia
- Tyler Wheeler, 39
- Kent Wood, 79
- Jonathan Aguas‑Gomez, 22 – obstructing and resisting
- Fahim Billah, 27
- Carlos Duga, 41
Why the Operation Matters
“Conducting proactive human‑trafficking operations identifies victims and holds traffickers accountable,” said Dan Nash, founder of the Human Trafficking Training Center and a former investigator. “Agencies across America obtained our training, then came together under Operation Coast to Coast to help victims, arrest traffickers, and make their communities safer. As more agencies obtain this training, these numbers will grow and make trafficking inhospitable in America.”
The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported more than 21,000 victims nationwide in 2025, including 349 in Nevada. The Reno effort demonstrates how local law‑enforcement can contribute to a broader national strategy that protects families and upholds community safety.
How to Help
Community members with information about this case, child sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, or prostitution are urged to contact the HEAT Unit at [email protected] or [email protected]. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Secret Witness by calling or texting 775‑322‑4900.
Reno Police contributed to this report.
Original reporting: 2news.com — read the source article.
