Authorities arrest Ferndale man as part of multi-agency human trafficking investigation
Whatcom County law enforcement officers recently rescued multiple victims of human trafficking.
Seven victims were saved during a joint law enforcement operation that led to the arrest of Noone Marshall, 43, of Ferndale. Marshall is suspected of arranging commercial sex services with a subject he believed to be 16, in exchange for marijuana, according to Deb Slater with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
Slater said officers worked with organizations on site to ensure the victims received support and resources.
Multiple sexual objects and $625 in cash were found in Marshall’s possession after his arrest, according to authorities.
The operation was conducted with participation from the Homeland Security Investigations, Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, Bellingham Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, King County Sheriff’s Office, Bellevue Police Department and the Whatcom County Prosecutors Office.
Marshall was arrested on suspicion of attempted commercial sex abuse of a minor, felony communicating with a minor and attempted distribution to persons under the age of 18.
He was booked into Whatcom County Jail around 6:30 p.m. Friday, April 19. He was still in custody late Monday afternoon.
Slater said the investigation remains active and no additional information would be released at this time.
To report any information about human trafficking, child sexual abuse, or the trafficking in child sexual abuse material, immediately call the HSI Tipline at 877-4-HSI TIP or 877-447-4847.
