CARSON CITY, Nev. (KRNV) — The Carson City Sheriff's Office is investigating a potential sex trafficking operation that is taking place in the Carson City area.

The CCSO received information on February 10 of an alleged Sex Trafficking operation out of California that arrived in the area on February 9. The original information alleged that approximately 9 people were involved, including 3 males who were significantly armed. Due to the nature of the sex trafficking operation, the FBI’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Task Force was immediately engaged to assist.

The Sheriff’s Office received search warrants for multiple rooms and a vehicle at the America’s Best Value Inn on South Carson Street. Due to the threat level, the warrants were executed by SWAT, Special Enforcement, and FBI task force members at approximately 12:20 p.m. SWAT team members took four males and five females into custody. While searches are continuing, weapons and controlled substances have been seized.

In anticipation of the search warrant execution, the Sheriff’s Office engaged with local expert supportive services including Sexual Assault Advocates and Exquisite. These services were readily available prior to the operation initiation and provided direct support throughout the operation.

This is an ongoing investigation, more arrest information will be revealed at a later date.