The Innocent's Team of instructors is composed of active-duty law enforcement officers who are highly trained and experienced in proactively combating child sex crimes. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, specializing in online investigations, surveillance, and undercover operations. We offer complimentary, hands-on training and operational guidance to law enforcement investigators, helping them build robust cases, increase arrests, improve conviction rates, and enhance sentencing.
To Protect and Preserve the Innocence of Children inside the United States
We conduct ourselves with excellence, integrity, and accountability in every interaction. We honor the trust placed in us by maintaining the highest standards of conduct, treating every person with dignity, and carrying out our responsibilities with discipline and respect.
Mission Driven
Everything we do is centered on protecting and preserving the innocence of children in the United States. We pursue this mission with a relentless commitment, driven by passion to protect children, bring justice, and unite communities and law enforcement agencies so children can grow, thrive, and live free from sexual abuse.
Humble Service
We lead by serving. With humility, compassion, and quiet strength, we place the needs of others above our own, supporting law enforcement and our communities with respect and unwavering dedication, standing faithfully in the gap for those who cannot stand for themselves.
Nate Lewis
Founder & CEO / Board of Directors President
Nate Lewis is the Founder & CEO of The Innocent, a nonprofit focused on combating child sex trafficking, exploitation, and sexual assault in the United States. With experience as an Executive at a global anti-trafficking organization, Nate has played an integral part in international and domestic anti-trafficking efforts in collaboration with law enforcement. His 16 years living mostly abroad and travel to over 40 countries have deepened his understanding of human trafficking, informing his work at The Innocent. Nate’s leadership and global perspective drive initiatives that create safer communities and position him as a key advocate against child sex crimes.
Rob Lewis
Board of Directors Vice President
Rob Lewis serves on The Innocent’s Board of Directors bringing disciplined financial expertise with a values-based commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and advancing long-term, meaningful change. Rob is a finance executive working with middle-market and private equity–backed companies to structure flexible, customized financing solutions. Rob also has experience supporting mission-driven organizations dedicated to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable children, contributing to significant fundraising and awareness efforts through a business development role. Married for more than 24 years and a proud father of two. Rob enjoys the outdoors and spending time with his family.
Nigel Hunter
Board of Directors Secretary
Nigel Hunter has served on The Innocent’s Board of Directors since its inception. With over a decade of experience in law enforcement, currently working as a School Resource Officer in Washington State. Nigel’s commitment to protecting and advocating for children began earlier in his career as a high school teacher and coach, where he developed a deep passion for youth mentorship and safety. Married for more than 20 years and a proud father of four, Nigel’s role as a parent fuels his dedication to The Innocent’s mission. Through firsthand experience, he has seen how effective sex trafficking education and thorough investigations can transform communities and create safer futures for children.
Brian Lewis
Chief Operations Officer / Scaled Operations Course Lead Instructor
Brian is currently serving as the Detective Sergeant at a county agency in Central Washington and Chief Operations Officer at The Innocent. During his 17 year Law Enforcement Career, he has worked various investigation related assignments including narcotics, pro-act, sex trafficking, Internet Crimes Against Children, and the Child Exploitation Task Force. He has over 14 years of SWAT experience, the majority as a team leader responsible for training, mission planning, and leading operations. Brian enjoys big game hunting and taking road trips with his family.
Brad Johnson
Chief Training Officer / Scaled Operations Course Lead Instructor
Brad is currently serving as an Investigations Sergeant at a police department in Idaho and Chief Training Officer for The Innocent. During his 15 years in law enforcement, he has worked various assignments in patrol, proactive teams, federal drug task force, and criminal investigations. He has over a decade of SWAT experience to include team leadership, and is a multi-discipline instructor in general and high-liability topics. Brad enjoys playing music and spending time with family and friends in the outdoors.
Dave Murguia
Lead Chat Course Instructor
Dave Murguia is a Sergeant with Sheriff’s Office in Iowa, bringing over 21 years of law enforcement experience. Throughout his career, he has served as a field training officer, investigations sergeant, night shift patrol sergeant, tactical response team leader, ICAC task force member, and a sworn member of a federal task force. During his time in investigations, Murguia developed a strong focus on combating online crimes against children. He created a specialized training program that has equipped hundreds of law enforcement officers across multiple states to identify and apprehend online predators. Outside of his professional work, Murguia enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children.
Brea Burnett
Director of Programs and Development
Brea Burnett serves as the Director of Programs and Development at The Innocent, supporting the organization’s leadership and mission. As a survivor of child sex trafficking, Brea brings a powerful and personal perspective to the fight against child trafficking and exploitation. Her lived experience fuels her deep passion for advocacy, awareness, and systemic change. Outside of her work, Brea enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors.
Mark Haynes
Vice President of Development
Mark Haynes serves as the Vice President of Development at The Innocent, leading the organization’s fundraising and growth efforts. With a career spent in sales, primarily within cybersecurity software, Mark brings strategic insight and relationship, driven leadership to advancing the mission. He is deeply committed to this work, believing the protection of the innocent to be one of the most critical and under-served issues of our time. Mark enjoys surfing, bbqing, and traveling in his spare time.
Paul Jenson
Email Marketing & Engagement Strategist
Paul Jenson serves as the Email Marketing & Engagement Strategist for The Innocent, bringing years of experience leading digital and lifecycle marketing for national brands. He has built and managed email programs across DTC, nonprofit, and fintech sectors and now leads The Innocent’s email strategy, developing campaigns and automated journeys that strengthen supporter engagement and elevate the mission’s impact. Paul enjoys spending time with his family and staying active in his community.
Aaron Bareither
Video Editor
Aaron Bareither specializes in performance-driven content for mission-focused organizations. He's been creating content with The Innocent since its inception and is honored to use his skills and passion for leveraging visual storytelling to combat trafficking, exploitation and to protect American children.