Sentencing in Pair of Sex Trafficking Cases

Newest Sentencing Results Related to Sex Trafficking and Abuse of a Child Stings Result in Prison Terms

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office has announced that two defendants convicted on charges of attempted sex trafficking and abuse of a child have been sentenced to prison. The defendants were arrested and prosecuted in connection with several sting operations aimed at combatting sex trafficking in our community. Justin Macias, age 50, from Sparks, pled guilty last October to one count of Attempt to Facilitate Sex Trafficking of a Child and one count of Attempted Child Abuse or Neglect Involving Sexual Exploitation. Macias was sentenced Monday to a combined maximum term of 10 years in prison for both charges, with parole eligibility beginning after a minimum of 4 years has been served. Israel Vasquez, age 42, also from Sparks, pled guilty last June to one count of Soliciting a Child for Prostitution and one count of Attempted Child Abuse or Neglect Involving Sexual Exploitation. Vasquez was sentenced Monday to concurrent terms of 4 years in prison for each charge, with parole eligibility set to begin after a minimum of 19 months has been served.  

Macias and Vasquez were arrested in sting operations in October 2020 by the Regional Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit (HEAT). HEAT Detectives began investigating the two defendants after they separately solicited an undercover detective posing as an underage female. During numerous communications, the defendants attempted to arrange to pay money for sex. Macias also requested pornographic photos be sent to him during the exchanges. After arrest, Deputy District Attorney Darcy Cameron filed formal criminal charges against the defendants and the case ultimately resulted in convictions.