Reno, Nevada – Detectives from multiple Northern Nevada law enforcement agencies cited and arrested nine men Wednesday during a targeted operation aimed at reducing the demand for illegal commercial sex, according to the Reno Police Department.
The operation, conducted by the Regional Human Exploitation and Trafficking (H.E.A.T.) Unit, focused on individuals attempting to purchase sex from adults. Detectives monitored communications indicating intent to engage in illegal sexual activity and subsequently intervened as plans unfolded, police stated.
Francisco Morales, 27, Justin Pera, 42, Brian Hartshorn, 56, Jonathan Hanson, 38, Ryan Dawley, 42, and Nicholas Menendez, 30, were cited for soliciting prostitution. Cade Desrosiers, 24, and Semaj Ross, 34, were arrested on charges of soliciting prostitution and obstructing/resisting a peace officer.
The H.E.A.T. Unit is a collaborative task force comprising detectives from the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, and the Washoe County School Police Department. The unit receives additional support from the Regional Gang Unit, and works to combat human exploitation and sex trafficking throughout Northern Nevada.
This operation comes after a similar two-day sting in December 2025, which resulted in six arrests involving individuals allegedly attempting to purchase sex from minors. That operation involved the same H.E.A.T. Unit and highlighted the use of online platforms by potential offenders, prompting police to advise parents to monitor their children’s online activity.
Authorities encourage anyone with information related to prostitution, sex trafficking, or this case to contact the H.E.A.T. Unit at 775-334-2121 or RPDHEAT@reno.gov. Anonymous tips can likewise be submitted to Secret Witness at 775-322-4900 (call or text) or online at secretwitness.com. The investigations remain active.
