7 men arrested during Renton child sex trafficking operation

RENTON, Wash. – Seven men were recently arrested in a child sex trafficking operation in King County, the Renton Police Department (RPD) announced Wednesday morning.

The RPD said the goal of the operation was to arrest men who attempted to purchase sex from minors. The RPD said the operation took place on September 26 and 27, 2024.

The department said there are an estimated 300 children in King County who are victims of sex trafficking “at any given time.” Renton police said law enforcement is trying to address the problem by going after the “demand side” or “those willing to purchase the children for sex.”

Police said one of the men arrested during the operation was “an assistant principal in the Seattle School District.” This suspect was arrested for prostitution.

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A man, 40-year-old Joseph Haufle, was taken into custody and charged with attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor, attempted rape of a child and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. Police said Haufle had previous convictions for rape of a child and rape before his arrest in September. Court documents show Haufle was arraigned on Oct. 10 and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to court documents related to Haufle’s case, Haufle stated upon his arrest, “‘I am fully aware that it is illegal,’ and further explained that he was bored and had sex with underage women for fun because he knew it was wrong.” “

Another suspect was from Oregon and was arrested for attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor, the agency said, and another suspect brought a gun and methamphetamine.

Court records state that 26-year-old Thang Pain Khai was also arrested in the crime and charged with attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor and communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

David A. Scott, 38, was arrested and charged with two counts of communicating with a minor for immoral purposes and attempted commercial sexual abuse of a minor.

Alexander Diaz Rios, 29, was arrested and charged with patronizing a prostitute. Renton police said Rios believed he was communicating with a 15-year-old boy. Seattle Public Schools (SPS) confirmed to KOMO News that Rios was an assistant principal at TOPS K-8 who has since resigned, saying in a statement:

Seattle Public Schools reached a separation agreement this month with Alex Diaz Rios, who was charged with prostitution. When SPS learned of the allegations, it responded immediately and placed the individual on leave on Wednesday, November 13th. He has resigned and will not be returning to SPS.

On Thursday, December 5, a law firm hired by SPS filed a request with the city of Renton for documents to learn more about the prostitution charge. However, at no time prior to today was the district informed that the charges may have involved a minor.

SPS contacted the Office of Professional Practices last week and will submit a formal referral to the state for review of Diaz Rios’ professional license. The district’s top priority is the safety and well-being of students, and SPS will continue to take all necessary steps to ensure a safe learning environment for all.

The RPD said most of the undercover officers posed online as 13- and 15-year-olds. Some of those arrested allegedly tried to buy sex from a minor for $100 to $300. One of the men offered $75 and methamphetamine.

“Over a two-night period, our undercover officers went online, went to various platforms through social media to engage with people and address the demand side of those seeking prostitution,” said RPD Deputy Chief Ryan Rutledge. “We specifically went out with undercover officers to show that we were underage boys and girls aged 13 to 15 to target people who might want to try to contact them for sex.”

“We make it very clear on multiple occasions that the person is talking to a minor, whether it’s a 13, 14 or 15 year old male or female, and that dialogue then leads to what we call an offer and a Call an agreement where some “exchanging a service for a monetary value or a commodity could constitute probable cause,” Rutledge added.

The RPD said the mortality rate for children involved in sex trafficking is about 27% higher than the general population. According to the ministry, the life expectancy for someone who engages in commercial sex is about seven years.

“Of course it shouldn’t have to be said, but it’s never OK to buy sex from a child,” RPD Det. Meghan Braun said. “There are real children out there who are victims every day. This is not a victimless crime that has real consequences, and it is our job as police and communities to protect our children.”