Omaha Police Officers Honored for Uncovering Major Human Trafficking Operation

Routine call leads to the largest trafficking investigation in department's history

Apr. 2, 2026 at 11:36pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a crumpled wallet against a stark black background, conceptually representing the uncovering of a human trafficking operation through a routine theft investigation.A police investigation into a stolen wallet uncovers a vast human trafficking operation, underscoring the critical role of officer training and vigilance.Omaha Today

Three Omaha police officers were recognized at the Crime Stoppers Officer of the Year Luncheon for their work in uncovering a multi-state human trafficking operation that began with a report of a stolen wallet at a South Omaha motel. Officers Ashley Warman and Ruteena Alcantara noticed inconsistencies in the suspect's story and, drawing on recent human trafficking training, contacted detectives. That led Detective Dallin Proffitt to track a phone number back to the motel room, where they found two victims who had been trafficked. The investigation has since led to multiple arrests and federal indictments.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of police training on human trafficking and the ability of officers to recognize potential signs of exploitation, even during seemingly routine calls. It also demonstrates the significant scale and reach of human trafficking operations that can be uncovered through diligent police work.

The details

Officers Warman and Alcantara were responding to a report of a stolen wallet at a South Omaha motel when they noticed 'quite a few red flags' and inconsistencies in the suspect's story. Drawing on recent human trafficking training, they contacted detectives. Detective Proffitt then tracked a phone number connected to the report, which led investigators back to the motel room where they found two victims who had been trafficked. 'These girls literally prayed for an undercover detective to come rescue them,' Proffitt said. Within days, six suspects were arrested, and the investigation uncovered a larger multi-state trafficking operation running out of metro-area motels. The stolen wallet was likely a 'cry for help' from the victims, according to the officers.

  • The initial stolen wallet call occurred at a South Omaha motel.
  • Officers Warman and Alcantara had recently completed human trafficking training prior to this incident.
  • Within days of the initial call, six suspects were arrested.

The players

Officers Ashley Warman and Ruteena Alcantara

Omaha police officers who responded to the initial stolen wallet call and recognized potential signs of human trafficking based on their recent training.

Detective Dallin Proffitt

Omaha police detective who tracked a phone number connected to the stolen wallet report, leading investigators back to the motel room where they found the trafficking victims.

Omaha Police Department

The law enforcement agency that conducted the large-scale human trafficking investigation stemming from the initial stolen wallet call.

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What they’re saying

“There was quite a few red flags, a lot of the story he was giving us just didn't make a lot of sense.”

— Officer Ashley Warman, Omaha Police Officer

“When we came across this case, and things weren't adding up, that training just kicked in.”

— Officer Ruteena Alcantara, Omaha Police Officer

“These girls literally prayed for an undercover detective to come rescue them, and I'll never forget that.”

— Detective Dallin Proffitt, Omaha Police Detective

What’s next

The investigation is still active as court cases continue to proceed. Authorities say the case has led to additional arrests and federal indictments beyond the initial six suspects.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the importance of police training on human trafficking and the ability of officers to recognize potential signs of exploitation, even during seemingly routine calls. It also highlights the significant scale and reach of trafficking operations that can be uncovered through diligent police work.