Two were arrested during the Beaverton sex trafficking operation

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two people were arrested during a sex trafficking sting in Beaverton, authorities said.

According to Beaverton police, officers conducted the operation on April 30 as part of ongoing efforts to identify and take action against individuals involved in sex trafficking in the community.

During the operation, officers said they contacted four women who agreed to engage in sexual acts in exchange for money. However, instead of arresting the women, they were provided with resources to help them get out of human trafficking.

Two other people, Keith Kelly, 33, and Julius Lavant Mitchell, 21, were arrested for promoting prostitution.

When Mitchell was arrested, authorities discovered he had a handgun. When they searched his car, they found another handgun – which was believed to be stolen – as well as cocaine and $1,800 in cash.

Mitchell was charged May 8 with promoting prostitution and other charges including being a felon in possession of a firearm, illegal delivery of cocaine and two counts of tampering with a witness.

Kelly was cited and is expected to appear in court later in May.

Beaverton police encourage anyone with information about sex trafficking to contact them or the National Human Trafficking Hotline.