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7 people arrested in Gallatin County in operation that targeted human trafficking

Posted at 6:20 PM, Aug 30, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-30 20:20:58-04

(BOZEMAN) Seven people have been arrested in an operation that targeted human trafficking in Gallatin County.

The following people were booked into the Gallatin County Detention Center:

  • Calvin F. Bender of Gallatin County
  • Cody M. Umland of Gallatin County
  • Mark A. Steed of Gallatin County
  • Matthew J. Maus of Gallatin County
  • Shannon J. Rodman of Gallatin County
  • Travis M. Staker of Gallatin County
  • John C. Sanders of Lewis and Clark County

They are facing initial charges for the crime of prostitution after they allegedly responded to advertisements posted on websites often frequented for facilitating sexual contacts.

According to law enforcement officials, the operation focused on targeting demand for illicit sexual contact.

During the operation, the advertisement received more than 50 inquiries for various sexual acts.  On the day of the operation, numerous “dates” were scheduled. Customers – commonly referred to as “johns” – arrived at the agreed-upon location and met with an undercover law enforcement officer who posed as the trafficking victim.

According to the press release, Gallatin County law enforcement officers will continue to focus their efforts to thwart trafficking throughout the county and state through joint investigative operations.  These operations focus on both the demand for such services and the human traffickers exploiting young men and women.

If you have information regarding trafficking operations or victims of human trafficking, you are encouraged to call the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division at 406-582-2121, the Bozeman Police Department at Policetips@bozeman.net, or the Department of Homeland Security at 1-866-373-7888.  You may be eligible for a reward through Crime Stoppers for information that leads to the successful prosecution of criminal acts.

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