Troutdale is a city of approximately 17,000 residents in Northwestern Oregon. It is located in Multnomah County, OR, and is a suburb of Portland, OR. It is located just east of the city along the Columbia River and Interstate 84. Instances of prostitution and sex trafficking have been documented in the city. For example, residents have reported witnessing prostitution activity at local truck stops. Among the more serious crimes associated with the local commercial sex market is child sex trafficking.

In their efforts to combat prostitution and sex trafficking problems in the city, local law enforcement have incorporated tactics to reduce demand by targeting individuals seeking to purchase commercial sex. For example, in December 2013, a multi-agency police operation targeting sex traffickers/pimps, sex buyers, and prostituted women was conducted at a local motel. During the sting, officers placed and responded to decoy advertisements on a website known for prostitution and sex trafficking. Seven individuals were arrested after arranging to meet undercover officers at a local hotel; three of which were sex buyers charged with patronizing prostitution. Agencies involved in the sting included the Troutdale Police Department, the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, the Portland Police Bureau Prostitution Coordination Team, the East Metro Gang Enforcement Team, and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

Although some news outlets reported the names of two individuals arrested during the sting (one sex trafficker/pimp and one sex buyer), the identities of the majority of arrestees were not publicized. While the city does not have its own john school program, the Portland Tribune noted that sex buyers arrested in Troutdale are eligible to attend the Portland based john school program as a diversion option.