Northern Nevada is identified as a place of focus on this issue, which includes pornography, immigrant and labor trafficking and sex trafficking.  The FBI can only investigate crimes withing their scope of authority, which is interstate activities, including pornography, and juvenile sex trafficking.  In addition, the FBI provides victim services.

 

Since his assignment to the area, Michael  has changed the enforcement focus from pornography to much more the much more difficult task of enterprise-level investigations.  This effort, patterned after narcotics enforcement, takes aim at the infrastructure of the crime:  advertising, places of business and safe houses, communication links, etc.  It requires additional training and partnerships with multiple agencies and staff, including school resources officers, jail staff and local law enforcement.  Reno PD was highlighted for their vigorous efforts.  

 

Also required is a long-term focus and flexibility--when Federal warrants are not attainable, state warrants may be.  Examples of recent arrests and successful prosecutions were also explained, followed by multiple question from those present.

 

 

Matt Buehler - $50 for his 51st birthday (Jonnie Pullman chipped in the extra $1 to make it official)