Posted
In August 2023, Washington County detectives learned of a sex trafficking ring connected to a home in the Bethany neighborhood. Over a dozen people, including two juveniles, have been connected to the ring, which operated in multiple states and involved women from Oregon, Washington, California, and North Carolina.
On October 16, Violent Crimes Unit detectives served a search warrant at the home off NW 167th Avenue. Detectives arrested 27-year-old Dwight Dew Jr. during the service of the search warrant and seized evidence at the home.
On October 20, detectives worked with investigators from the Portland Police Bureau to arrest 22-year-old Emily Maria Herrera.
On October 23, a Washington County grand jury indicted Herrera and Dew Jr., who are both lodged in the Washington County Jail.
Dwight Dew Jr. has been charged with:
- Two counts of compelling prostitution of a minor
- Five counts of promoting prostitution
- Two counts of forgery in the first degree
- One count of rape in the third degree
Emily Herrera has been charged with:
- Two counts of compelling prostitution of a minor
- Three counts of promoting prostitution
WCSO was joined by Safety Compass Oregon, which offers free and confidential advocacy services for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation in Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, and Washington counties.
Detectives would like to thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Portland Police Bureau, Port of Portland Police, and Vancouver Police Department for their assistance in this investigation.
Detectives are actively seeking more information in the case and are requesting assistance from the public. They strongly suspect that Dew Jr. and Herrera may have additional victims. If you have any relevant information, please contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 503-846-2500.
Contact
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WCSO Public Information Officer
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PIO
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