In a significant crackdown on human trafficking, the Portland Police Bureau’s committed operatives have brought four individuals to justice. Following a thorough investigation by the bureau’s Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) in collaboration with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office (MCDA), two traffickers and two buyers involved in the exploitation of a child were found guilty. The investigation, which began with a contact in December 2023, has resulted in significant prison sentences for all perpetrators, according to an official report from the Portland Police Bureau.
On Northeast 82nd Avenue, police observed a 16-year-old girl participating in commercial sex acts, but she initially refused to assist them. She approached the HTU in March 2024, and her evidence played a crucial role in the subsequent investigation. Her shocking revelation that she had been trafficked since she was 13 years old resulted in the arrest of two key traffickers and two buyers who had knowingly engaged with a juvenile for an extended period of time.
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Portland law enforcement took a victim-centered strategy, which pushed all four suspects to plead guilty. The convicted individuals are James J. Alfonsi, sentenced to 80 months in prison; Vladimir I. Tishenko, sentenced to five years; Domonique L. Williams, facing 19 years; and Kai’Leif L. Newcomb, condemned to 15 years.
“This case is a strong signal that human trafficking is not a distant problem,” PPB Chief Bob Day told the Portland Police Bureau. “It is happening right here in our community.” He stressed the critical need for trauma-informed police and greater collaborations to tackle the local manifestations of such a global problem. As evidenced by its high focus on finding and safeguarding victims, the Portland Police Bureau seeks to dismantle trafficking networks and provide proper retribution to criminals.
-Police urge anyone with knowledge or suspicions of trafficking to contact emergency services or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The police department advises individuals with non-urgent tips about Portland to contact its official human trafficking email address.
