Portland, OR- October 7, 2026
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office continues to pursue men who pay for sex and create a market that leads to the exploitation of vulnerable children.
The latest indictments are part of a continuing push and a multi-year investigation by Portland Police Bureau’s Human Trafficking Unit and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office to hold accountable anyone who purchases sex which encourages and perpetuates the trafficking of vulnerable victims. Especially individuals who purchase and traffic minors.
Senior Multnomah County Deputy District Attorney J.R. Ujifusa secured indictments recently of 26 men who are charged with buying sex with a minor victim who was trafficked in Multnomah County between the age of 13 and 17. One additional defendant waived indictment and pleaded guilty. In total, 32 Men have been charged with felony crimes as part of this law enforcement effort. So far, eight men have been convicted.
Investigations are ongoing and additional indictments and arrests are expected in the near future.
Senior DDA Ujifusa said:
“The courage of this victim to come forward after significant trauma is remarkable and we stand with her. This office is victim centered and it is because of brave individuals like this we are able to find perpetrators who prey on our communities most vulnerable children and adults.
Without the demand to purchase sex there would be no sex trafficking and no recruiting of vulnerable children and adults. Local and national research indicates that exploitation typically begins between the ages of 13 and 15, revealing a disturbing demand for the commercial sexual exploitation of minors. That means there is a significant demand, with men purchasing children of that age and younger in our community. The revenue generated from these illicit transactions directly funds traffickers who groom and recruit children. This exploitation must stop. In coordination with law enforcement, this office remains committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting any individual who exploits or harms children and vulnerable members of our community.”
If you have information or concerns about sex trafficking call PPB’s non emergency number at 503-823-3333
If it is an emergency call 911.
If you would like to email PPB’s Human Trafficking Unit – HumanTrafficking@police.portlandoregon.gov
If you are a victim of sex trafficking and would like some help, please call Safety Compass- 24 Hour Survivor Support Line 971-235-0021
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