Earlier this week, Bellevue Detectives with the Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) arrested a Federal Way man accused of sex trafficking two Oregon girls, one of whom was only 11 years old, after meeting them online.
HTU Detectives arrested 25-year-old Ezra Wimana following a thorough investigation into a human trafficking case involving minors. Wimana, who appeared before a judge on Wednesday, faces multiple charges, including two counts of Trafficking in the Second Degree, two counts of Promoting Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor, and one count of Rape of a Child in the 3rd degree. Wimana remains at the King County jail with a bail of $500,000.
The investigation unfolded on January 9, when Bellevue Police received a request for assistance from a Police Department in eastern Oregon. The Oregon agency alerted Bellevue Police about two missing juveniles, ages 11 and 15, who were suspected of being victims of human trafficking. Subsequent efforts by Bellevue Police HTU Detectives and Patrol Officers led to the recovery of the two juveniles from a Bellevue residence, who were later returned to their parents.
The investigation revealed that the juveniles fell prey to the trafficking scheme after connecting with the suspect Wimana on Instagram and Snapchat. Wimana allegedly transported the minors over 300 miles from eastern Oregon to Washington, where they were subjected to exploitation, including substance abuse, sexual exploitation and sexual assault. Wimana allegedly forced the young victims to attempt to engage in prostitution along Aurora Avenue in Seattle, and later abandoned the victims on the side of the road when he was dissatisfied with their performance.
To safeguard children and prevent similar incidents, the Bellevue Police Department offers the following tips for parents:
Educate Your Children: Teach children about online safety and the dangers of interacting with strangers on social media platforms.
Monitor Online Activities: Regularly monitor your children’s online interactions, including social media accounts and messaging apps, and be vigilant for any suspicious behavior or contacts.
Establish Open Communication: Foster open communication with your children, encouraging them to share any concerns or uncomfortable experiences they encounter online.
Set Boundaries: Establish clear guidelines for online interactions and educate children about the importance of safeguarding their personal information.
Stay Informed: Stay informed about the latest tactics used by human traffickers to lure victims online and educate children about the warning signs of grooming and exploitation. More information can be found on the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force website.
If you or someone you know is a victim or have knowledge of trafficking anywhere in the Puget Sound Region, please contact the Bellevue Police Human Trafficking Unit at VICEHT@Bellevuewa.gov. Tips will be kept confidential if desired.
Bellevue Beat Blog 