OTHELLO, WA — Seven men were reportedly arrested during a two-day operation targeting commercial sex activity and potential human trafficking in the region, according to the Othello Police Department.
The operation, conducted April 1, focused on both the supply and demand sides of commercial sex. Investigators said the men were arrested for allegedly patronizing a prostitute under Washington law after reportedly attempting to pay for sexual acts.
Those arrested were identified as:
- Eduardo Ortega-Cruz, 35, of Royal City
- Andriy G. Opalko, 36, of Moses Lake
- Stephen E. Eilers, 49, of Royal City
- Roberto Martinez-Gonzalez, 32, of Ephrata
- Leandro Daniel Carillo, 42, of Moses Lake
- John Douglas Peterson, 58, of Kennewick
- Denis Y. Kutsiy, 44, of Pasco
All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
During the investigation, detectives also reportedly contacted three women believed to be involved in commercial sex activity. The women, ranging in age from 34 to 43 and traveling from Kennewick and Pasco, were detained and interviewed. Police said they were referred to Mirror Ministries for support services. One of the women was arrested on an outstanding warrant unrelated to prostitution and transported to jail.
Authorities said the operation also reportedly led to the development of additional investigative leads, including a potential human trafficking case, a possible drug trafficking connection, and information related to a recent robbery. Those leads are expected to be referred to appropriate agencies for further investigation.
The department reported that awareness of similar operations appears to be discouraging some individuals from engaging in illegal commercial sex activity in the area.
The effort involved assistance from multiple agencies and organizations, including the Warden Police Department, Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office, Washougal Police Department, Mirror Ministries, and This Mission.
Anyone with information about human trafficking is encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “INFO” to 233733.
