More Info About the Human Trafficking Operation in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On October 22 and 23, 2024, an undercover operation was conducted by law enforcement in Missoula County to identify and apprehend purchasers of illegal commercial sex. Law Enforcement officers and professionals from the Missoula Police Department, Missoula Sheriff’s Department, Department of Justice, and FBI participated. Multiple members of the law enforcement team are members of the Montana Human Trafficking Task Force.

As part of the operation, advertisements were placed on websites known to law enforcement to be used for illegal commercial sex. The advertisements offered commercial sex within Missoula County and contained images of a female along with explicit language offering only commercial sex. An undercover phone number was provided in the advertisement.

Suspect #1

41-year-old Tavis Johansson, responded to the online escort advertisement. The undercover officer provided Johansson with the hotel's location. Then the undercover officer provided a room number. Johansson arrived shortly thereafter and knocked on the door. He was immediately apprehended and identified.

During a search incident to arrest, Johansson was found to have four $50 dollar bills, consistent with the agreed-upon fee. Johansson’s phone number from the text conversations was dialed by agents on scene to confirm he was in possession of the phone undercover agents were communicating with. Johansson’s phone showed an incoming text message from the Agent’s undercover phone. Johansson is currently being charged with felony prostitution.

Suspect #2

A person, later identified as 48-year-old Wesley Delano, engaged in a text message conversation with an undercover agent who was using the phone number from the advertisement. During the conversation, the defendant agreed to pay $400 for 90 minutes of full-service sex. Delano was provided with the name of a hotel and a room number. Delano arrived at the hotel, came to the room number provided, and was apprehended.

His phone number was dialed, and it was confirmed he was in possession of the phone used to communicate with the undercover agent. According to court documents, Delano was also in possession of marijuana and methamphetamine. Delano is currently being charged with felony prostitution and felony criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

Suspect #3

39-year-old Joel Spackman responded to the undercover online escort advertisement and communicated with an undercover agent. He agreed to pay $250 for 45 minutes of sex and acknowledged that he needed to wear a condom. He was provided with the hotel and room number, arrived at the agreed-upon location, and was arrested. Spackman is currently being charged with felony prostitution.

Suspect #4

A person, later identified as 27-year-old Jacob Crouch-Short, responded to the online undercover advertisement and spoke with an undercover agent. Crouch-Short agreed to pay for commercial sex and negotiated an additional $50 for the sex worker to forego using a condom. Thereafter, the undercover agent provided Crouch-Short with the name of the hotel and the room number. Crouch-Short arrived at the agreed-upon hotel room and was taken into custody. Crouch-Short is currently being charged with felony prostitution.

According to Attorney General Austin Knudsen, human trafficking is a heinous crime and must be stopped.

“I am proud of our DCI investigators and law enforcement partners for their commitment to getting these dangerous predators off the streets,” Knudsen said. “Ending human trafficking remains a priority for the Montana Department of Justice. We must tell human traffickers that their criminal activity will not be tolerated in Montana.”

“This behavior is not only illegal but poses many risks to our communities such as Human Trafficking of both adults and children,” Missoula County Sheriff Jeremiah Petersen said. “The great work done this week with our law enforcement partners creates safer communities for both children and adults.”

Four other individuals were arrested during this human trafficking operation.

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.