North Star Task Force Investigations
Over the course of six months, the North Star Task Force led a series of multiagency operations targeting child sex trafficking and exploitation has resulted in 28 arrests, including 9 felony arrests tied to serious crimes such as luring of a minor, aggravated luring of a minor, sexual exploitation of a minor, pandering, and child sex trafficking. The other 19 arrests were misdemeanor prostitution charges.
The North Star Task Force is an extensive enforcement effort which brings together local, county, state, and federal agencies including Coconino County Sheriff’s Office, Mohave County Sheriff’s Office, Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Havasu City Police Department, Scottsdale Police Department, Chandler Police Department, Mesa Police Department, Surprise Police Department, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Coconino County Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Marshals Service.
Nonprofit partners also played a vital role, including FIAT, E3 Ranch Foundation, Darkhorse Benefits, and AATN (Anti-Trafficking Network), offering essential support throughout the operations.
Of those arrested, nearly all were local members of our own communities living and working among us. Their arrests underscore the deeply concerning reality that child exploitation is not a distant or rare occurrence; it is a prevalent and ongoing issue hiding in plain sight. Amongst those arrested for felony charges were:
Report Number Name Charges
P2503716 Thomas Jay Smith Child Sex Trafficking
P2503719 Brent William Smith Child Sex Trafficking
P2503696 Michael E. Flores Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation
P2503669 Marcus Wimberley Child Sex Trafficking
P2503642 David Zorn Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation
P2503649 Rakesh Dullbson Luring a Minor for Sexual Exploitation
P2414334 Max Berkman Child Sex Trafficking
P2414389 Christopher Hoffman Child Sex Trafficking
P2414927 Abel Ramos Child Sex Trafficking
These individuals believed they could operate unnoticed, but our message is clear: if you exploit children, we will find you.
While the arrest of these 28 suspects marks a significant victory, the Flagstaff Police Department emphasizes that this operation also exposed wider patterns of exploitation that will continue to be addressed with urgency and resolve.
“We will remain relentless in our pursuit of justice and protection for the vulnerable. These crimes will not be tolerated in our neighborhoods”, North Star Task Force Lead Detective, Bethany Hyde.
This multiagency operation highlights the strength of collaboration between law enforcement and community partners in confronting one of the most serious threats to public safety and human dignity.
The public is urged to report any suspected trafficking or exploitation to the Flagstaff Police Department at 928-774-1414 or to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
