Recent Human Trafficking Prosecution Outcome

WCDA Secures Maximum Sentence After Conviction

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office has announced that Brion Michael Ingram, age 31, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison on charges related to adult human trafficking. Ingram pled nolo contendere to one count of Sex Trafficking of an Adult in October and was sentenced on November 17, 2020 in Washoe County District Court by Judge Connie Steinheimer to a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, with parole eligibility beginning after a minimum of 4 years has been served. Ingram was on parole from Alaska for charges of Robbery With Use of Force at the time of his Nevada arrest and this sentence will run consecutive to the remainder of his Alaska sentence.

 The case against Ingram began on January 8, 2020, when detectives with the Reno Police Department (RPD) began a narcotics investigation that expanded into Human Trafficking charges. A traffic stop was initially conducted on Ingram and he was found to be in possession of narcotics. Further investigation determined that Ingram was trafficking his 23-year-old female passenger, who was engaging in acts of prostitution for money that would go to him. Ingram was subsequently arrested and this office filed formal criminal charges against him.

 At sentencing Deputy District Attorney (DDA) Mariah Northington argued that the maximum prison sentence was appropriate in this case due to Ingram’s criminal history and his conduct relating to the victim, and the District Court agreed.

The Regional Human Exploitation And Trafficking Team (HEAT) was involved in this arrest and worked closely with this office during the prosecution phase. HEAT was formed in early 2020 in an effort to combat human trafficking and exploitation in our community.  It is comprised of dedicated detectives from the Reno Police Department and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office who focus on investigating and arresting traffickers and assisting the victim’s they exploit. The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office works closely with HEAT Detectives in an effort to hold those who commit these crimes accountable and prevent future victimizations from occurring.