Virginia Beach police say a targeted two-day operation by the department’s Special Investigations Bureau on July 3 produced five arrests and helped connect potential victims to services.
Operation focused on exploitation and child-targeting
Investigators described the effort as an attempt to find people being exploited in commercial sex, to curb demand and to identify anyone attempting to recruit or coerce minors. Officers from all squads within the Special Investigations Bureau participated, employing several investigative techniques designed to identify individuals involved in prostitution, human trafficking and offenses against children.
The department reported that the operation resulted in the seizure of two vehicles and U.S. currency, while some people encountered during the effort received referrals to victim services through Samaritan House.
Charges and subjects identified
Police provided the names and charges for five people arrested as a direct result of the operation. Charges range from solicitation of prostitution to sex trafficking and offenses involving minors. Those arrested include:
- Shane Carter, 28, Norfolk — solicitation of prostitution
- Robert Harris, 64, Virginia Beach — solicitation of prostitution; assault and battery
- Larry Pittman, 53, Portsmouth — sex trafficking; use of electronic devices to facilitate offenses involving minors
- Kenric Frazier, 46, Portsmouth — sex trafficking; use of electronic devices to facilitate offenses involving minors; solicitation of child pornography
- Cameron Lewis, 24, Norfolk — solicitation of prostitution
| Name | Age | City | Primary charges |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shane Carter | 28 | Norfolk | Solicitation of prostitution |
| Robert Harris | 64 | Virginia Beach | Solicitation of prostitution; assault and battery |
| Larry Pittman | 53 | Portsmouth | Sex trafficking; use of electronic devices related to offenses involving minors |
| Kenric Frazier | 46 | Portsmouth | Sex trafficking; electronic facilitation of offenses involving minors; solicitation of child pornography |
| Cameron Lewis | 24 | Norfolk | Solicitation of prostitution |
Police said investigators also uncovered leads pointing to additional individuals suspected of trafficking or exploiting others for commercial sex. Those inquiries remain active and could lead to further charges after consultation with the Virginia Beach Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
Local impact and resources
The department emphasized that the operation was proactive and multifaceted, combining enforcement with victim identification and support. Samaritan House was named as one of the organizations used to connect people encountered during the sweep with services.
If someone believes they are a victim of human trafficking or knows someone who is, authorities advise contacting the National Human Trafficking Hotline for assistance and to report tips.
This operation follows broader law enforcement trends across Virginia and the nation emphasizing coordinated investigations that target both traffickers and the networks that enable commercial sex exploitation. Virginia Beach police said they will continue pursuing leads uncovered during the two-day effort.
Further updates are expected as detectives and prosecutors review evidence and determine whether additional arrests or charges are warranted.
