RAY, N.D. – A law enforcement operation conducted by the Ray and Stanley, N.D., police departments resulted in 24 arrests for various prostitution related offenses and online solicitation of minors in the Bakken Oilfields.
According to releases from Ray Police Chief Greg Pinski and Stanley Police Chief Kevin Litten, Operation “Naughty or Nice” was conducted beginning last Dec. 2 and ending Feb. 1.
The operation focused on the online solicitation of minors for illegal sexual activities, and the identification and apprehension of individuals involved in prostitution networks or human trafficking. Law enforcement officers utilized profiles on platforms and applications commonly used by those seeking to engage in illicit activities, where individuals initiated contact and set up meetings at which they agreed to pay for sexual acts.
The Ray Police Department arrested 10 individuals in the operation, charging seven individuals with prostitution, a Class B misdemeanor; one individual with promoting prostitution, a Class A misdemeanor; one individual with soliciting prostitution, a Class A misdemeanor; and one individual with soliciting prostitution and luring minors by computer, a Class C felony.
The 10 individuals charged in connection to the Ray investigation were: Abigayle Schwabrow, Ivy Kelly, J. Camille Ragoopath, Joseph Agosto, Mariyah Ellison, Michael Owings, Russell Fowler, Shawna Soppe, Viktoria Moore and Victor Lopez Nava. Specific charges for each one were not listed.
In his release, Pinski noted the charge of luring minors is particularly disturbing, saying it highlighted the growing concern regarding the danger of online predation and exploitation of minors.
“We are fully committed to protecting minors and combating human trafficking,” Pinski said. “The results of Operation ‘Naughty or Nice’ are a direct reflection of our commitment to keeping the online environment safe for our children. The arrest of individuals engaging in online solicitation and trafficking activities serves as a stern warning to those involved in such illegal behavior.”
The Stanley Police Department arrested 14 individuals for prostitution. Three of the individuals also face charges related to narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia for bringing illegal substances to the meetings, resulting in the seizure of 8.08 grams of methamphetamine.
While most low level misdemeanor cases are processed through municipal courts in North Dakota, Litten confirmed six of the individuals charged in Stanley have requested to have their cases transferred to North Central District Court.
Litten said in his release that numerous additional individuals attempted to schedule illicit meetings, which he felt underscored the ongoing nature of the issue and the need for further law enforcement action.
Pinski indicated in his release that investigators are reviewing evidence from the operation to determine if there are any additional connections to larger criminal networks or human trafficking operations.
