4 girls recovered from Oregon hotel room in human trafficking investigation
PORTLAND, Ore. (KVAL) - Police recovered 6 girls under the age of 18 from a Portland hotel room Thursday as part of a human trafficking investigation.
Four of the girls were from Eugene.
The investigation started in Eugene on February 18 with a report of shots fired and the possible abduction of juveniles on E. 15th Avenue, police said.
"After arrival, information could not be confirmed but a case was started," police said.
The next day, officers responded to a call about two missing girls in their mid-teens "who were believed to have been taken to the Portland area for possible trafficking."
The Special Investigations Unit of Eugene Police took over the case at 5 a.m. Thursday.
By 6 p.m., a Eugene detective had identified a hotel room in Portland where the teens were located.
"This information was relayed to Portland Police, who immediately responded to the room and recovered six juvenile females. This included the two runaway/missing juveniles from Eugene and two other juveniles from Eugene," Eugene Police said. "Two adult male subjects were taken into custody. They are still in the process of being identified by name."
Eugene and Portland police are conducting a joint investigation.
According to Eugene Police:
Sex Trafficking predators use psychological techniques and exploit a person’s vulnerabilities. For instance, if a child is desperate to find someone who will love and take care of them. The human trafficker will groom the victim to get their trust. They will provide gifts and give the impression of love and relationship. A child with low self-confidence and self-esteem is especially vulnerable. At the point the trust is gained, they will be coerced into performing sexual acts for money to give the trafficker.
Eugene Police ask you to call authorities if you see a child or adult who:
- Has a manager or ‘pimp’
- Can’t move freely and appears to be controlled (although some are allowed to go shopping and visit friends, they are closely watched and have restrictions)
- If a child, and they are dressed in an inappropriate way for their age to attract customers
- Seems fearful, timid and avoid eye contact
- Is fearful of police contact
- Seems to be in debt to someone
- Has signs of abuse (physical and mental), malnourishment, anxiety, bruising, scars, memory issues, lack of medical care
- Does not appear to have their own possessions.
- Is moved from city to city frequently
- Has tattoos or brands that signify ownership
