Four men identified in Portland child sex trafficking investigation

The crimes occurred in July 2019 and have been under investigation by the Portland Police Bureau’s Human Trafficking Unit.

Jeffrey W. Nichols, 51, pleaded guilty in August this year to one felony count of purchasing sex with a minor, one felony count of attempted delivery of cocaine, and one count of commercial sexual solicitation. He was sentenced to 36 months of supervised probation and no prison time.

Josiah Tate Carmona, 19, received a 15-month prison sentence after pleading guilty to one felony count of tampering with a witness and violating his previously-imposed probation related to a strangulation conviction. He will also face five years of post-prison supervision.

Two other suspects are awaiting trial.

Malik Zakee Owens, 24, is facing seven felony counts of compelling prostitution, 40 felony counts of promoting prostitution, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm, and two felony counts of tampering with a witness. His social media is filled with posts of him showing off wads of cash. His next court proceeding is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2021.

The last suspect to be arrested is 51-year-old Isaac Bravo Zapata, 51. He is charged with three felony counts of purchasing sex with a minor, three counts of commercial sexual solicitation, and three felony counts of sexual abuse in the second degree. He was arrested by the US Marshals Service in Portland on Monday. He has pleaded not guilty.

Additional case details, including the charging instruments and plea agreements, remain under court ordered seal. This case is being prosecuted by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Human Trafficking Team.