What Jones most likely didnt realize from his steel perch as he scanned the horizon: He, too, was being watched as part of a cattle-rustling sting operation devised by special rangers with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. The people charged as a result of this operation preyed on some of our most vulnerable, our children. Jonathon Alvarado, another ranch hand, tried but failed to rope the calf. The operation led to the arrest of these 23 individuals for Solicitation of Prostitution: Dallas police said it also seized three firearms and more than $6,000 in cash. "In the past, we have heard public criticism to operations like this that amounted to this is just sex between consenting adults, but thats far from the truth," Chief Deputy T.J. Cruz said in a release. You have permission to edit this article. Our effort is to deter all people from seeking out this criminal behavior, and, therefore, making our County safer for everyone.. WebLike many other states, Texas police run plenty of sting operations. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Among the 46 men included a high school football coach, a youth pastor and a director of operations at a hospital. Roughly a dozen law enforcement agencies participated in the operation Jan. 12 and 13 at the Hyatt near Stonebriar Centre in Frisco and the Hilton at Southlake Town Square. Officials say six of the men were arrested the first day with four more being taken into custody on the second day of the operation. Forty-six men who included a high school football coach, a youth pastor and a director of operations at a hospital were recently arrested during a multi-agency operation targeting the demand for commercial sex in North Texas, a federal agency announced on Friday. These were among the 46 men arrested in a massive They can be subjected to physical and sexual assault, robbery, and even murder.. Officials in El Paso, Midland, Ector and Tom Green recovered 70 children ranging in age from 10 to 17 who were victims of sex trafficking, physical and sexual abuse, according to a press release from the Department of Homeland Security. By Kevin Krause 6:07 PM on May 24, 2021 CDT Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Jones climbed atop the tank battery in December, trying to spot him. 11:30 AM on Jan 23, 2023 CST Updated at 11:54 AM on Jan 23, 2023 CST. The law went into effect earlier this month. Federal authorities arrested 46 men in two days after its investigation of sex trafficking cases in North Texas. Using information from informants, he expanded his investigation to include Leroy Medlin, a former Loving County Sheriffs deputy whod been fired from the San Antonio Police Department and was working as a part-time ranch hand for Jones. And an operations director of a large hospital network. Sarah Rumpf is a writer on the breaking news team for Fox News Digital. On Feb. 22-23, digital ads were placed on known websites promoting prostitution. So Baker, a 39-year law enforcement veteran, started scouring livestock sale logs and called up Loving County Sheriff Chris Busse to make sure Jones and the ranch hands hadnt reported any stray cattle to him, according to the warrants. In early January, they had a solid sighting on the nearby Wheat Ranch, owned by the family of a legendary wildcatter, J.J. The Bell County Sheriffs Department, with its partners the Bell County Organized Crime Unit, th The men face charges of solicitation of prostitution, a felony in Texas punishable with up two years in prison and a $10,000 fine, When you think of trafficking, you think of streets in Dallas or Fort Worth or strip clubs, said Agent John Perez, who oversees the North Texas Trafficking Task Force, part of Homeland Security Investigations. Updated: 6:26 PM CST February 25, 2023. The Texas Department of Public Safety and Lubbock Fire Rescue assisted in the operation, according to police. accounts, the history behind an article. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Possession of Child Pornography Texas DPS, Michael Sinnreich, Possession of Child Pornography Wylie PD, Ernest Martinez, Possession of Child Pornography Abilene PD, Isaac Hernandez, Possession of Child Pornography Irving PD, Marcus Lugo, Possession of Child Pornography Abilene PD, Juan Juarez, Promotion of Child Pornography Wylie PD, Jesse McFall, Possession of Child Pornography Dallas PD/Denton PD, Eduardo Ramirez, Receiving/Possession of Child Pornography Plano PD, Jesse Giesbrecht, Receipt and Distribution of Child Pornography Seminole County Sheriffs Office/FBI, Ubaydah Fadel, Possession of Child Pornography Plano PD, Ivan Hernandez, Sexual Assault of a Child Dallas PD, Ralph Brooks Brown, Possession of Child Pornography Plano PD, Anthony Johnson, Possession with Intent to Promote with Prior Conviction Dallas PD, Nathan Abramovich, Possession of Child Pornography Wylie PD, JUVENILE, Possession of Child Pornography Wylie PD, Corey Smith Shaw, Possession of Child Pornography Plano PD, Nathanel Black, Possession of Child Pornography Irving PD, Steve Martin, Possession of Child Pornography Plano PD, Tracey Couey, Possession of Child Pornography Dallas PD, Ramiro Mendoza, Lara Possession of Child Pornography Irving PD, Charles Stanfiel, Possession of Child Pornography Abilene PD, Edward Rodriquez, Online Solicitation of a Minor Abilene PD, JUVENILE, Possession of Child Pornography with Intent to Promote Wylie PD, Shemar Green, Possession of Child Pornography and Transportation of Child Pornography FBI-Lubbock/Snyder PD, Cassidy Lush, Distribution of Child Pornography FBI Lubbock, David Espinoza, Possession of Child Pornography FBI Lubbock, Jonathan Paige, Kidnapping/Sex Assault of a Child Plano PD, Christopher Berger, Promotion of Child Pornography Dallas PD, Justin Wyly, Possession of Child Pornography Hopkins County SO, James Wilborn, Indecency with a Child Dallas PD, Thomas Dobbs, Possession of Child Pornography Abilene PD, Craig Schamberger, Online Solicitation Fort Worth PD, Jason Till, Production of Child Pornography Homeland Security Investigations, Pipino Alfredo Castelan Diaz, Solicitation of Prostitution o fa Minor, Irving Woods, Online Solicitation Fort Worth PD/Alaska State Troopers/US Secret Service, Demon Driver, Possession of Child Pornography Dallas PD, Joseph Sterle, Possession of Child Pornography DPS-Texarkana, Stephen Benzenhafer, Online Solicitation of a Minor Plano PD, Silvestre Diaz, Indecent Assault Wylie PD, Juan Blaylock, Possession of Child Pornography Dallas PD, Maximillian Arya, Possession of Child Pornography Dallas PD, Juvenile, Publish Intimate Visual Material Wylie PD, Gary Mathis, Promotion of Child Pornography Dallas PD, Anthony Garza, Misdemeanor Charge Lubbock PD, Haseeb Memon, Possession with Intent to Promote Child Pornography Wylie PD, Rit Tran, Distribution of Child Pornography, FBI Dallas, Javier Montano, Sex Abuse of a Child, Fort Worth PD. Many prostitutes are themselves victims of human trafficking, Cruz said. A youth pastor was among the 46 men arrested after an investigation revealed those suspected behind sex trafficking cases in North Texas, according to a report from CBS News. A high school teacher and football coach. "Electronic service providers, the services you might use on cell phones or your computers, detect contraband material on their servers and they report that to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children who then forward that information to the affected law enforcement agencies," explained Rich. Texas law enforcement worked to uncover a huge prostitute sting of 46 community men. The operation wrapped up Friday with the rescue of 28 children and the arrest of 59 people who are now facing at least 80 criminal charges. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. J.D. In an interview with NBC News, Busse reiterated the denial, saying it was 100 percent false. In the past, we have heard public criticism to operations like this that amounted to this is just sex between consenting adults, Chief Deputy TJ Cruz said, but thats far from the truth., In a previous sting, we arrested an individual with body bags, duct tape, bleach in his trunk, Cruz continued. Sarah Bahari is a trending news reporter. ODESSA, TX (KWES) - Seven people were arrested on prostitution related charges after an undercover operation in Odessa. The Sheriffs Department is also concerned with the potential connection between prostitution and human trafficking. I wasn't a BeyHive member. WACO, Texas (FOX 44) Twelve arrests have been made in a McLennan County prostitution sting. Randy Reynolds, the district attorney in charge of prosecuting felony cases, did not return phone calls. The names of the suspects were not released by federal authorities. Who wants to show up for jury duty, which a lot of people dont really want to do anyway, and get a free trip to the jail house? Simonsen asked. (In Texas, the penalty for killing a stray cow is a felony with the same possible punishment as stealing one up to 10 years in jail.). National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Officers then responded to more than 700 messages from 73 different people in response to the ads over two days. I applaud the dedication of these task force groups, including members of the Dallas Police Department, to bring these suspects to justice. Although the names of the 46 suspects have not been released, the Lewisville Independent School District confirmed Marcus High School teacher and football coach Cecil Tim Morrison was among them. ", Perez added that this sting operation proves that sex trafficking is prevalent everywhere. Example video title will go here for this video. During this weeks operation, one of the defendants negotiated a price but arrived with no money. The accused listed below are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Baker recently was appointed police chief in Coleman, Texas his hometown and left his job as a special ranger, though Fuchs said Baker will still see this case through. "Many prostitutes are themselves victims of human trafficking," Cruz said. ), Three days later, Sparks saw the judge at the courthouse and they chatted briefly about the bull, Sparks said. Authorities in Texas have arrested nearly 50 people, including one high school teacher and a youth pastor, as part of a sting operation aimed at combatting sex trafficking. MENTONE, Texas On a December day in 2021, Loving County Judge Skeet Jones, 71, climbed atop an oilfield tank surrounded by wide-open Texas desert dressed in a business suit and toting a pair of binoculars, hoping to spot an elusive black bull. The operation wrapped up Friday with the rescue of 28 children and the arrest of 59 people who are now facing at least 80 criminal charges. ", The Sheriffs Department says it's also concerned with the potential connection between prostitution and human trafficking. Skeet, hes not ours, Sparks recalled saying in an interview with NBC News. Courtesy photo. This fall, Jones is running unopposed for re-election, but some of his allies, including his sister, are facing challengers for the first time in years, amid heated debate over how the county should be run. A 60-day sting operation conducted by law enforcement officers from several agencies netted the arrests of nearly a dozen suspects accused of committing crimes Each of the arrested individuals was charged with Soliciting a Prostitute, a state felony in Texas. (Jones and the other defendants declined to comment. We will never stop working to identify, locate and apprehend these predators to make our community safer for our children," said Dallas Chief of Police Eddie Garcia. Baker wrote in the warrants that he had spoken briefly with the judge, whose late father, Elgin Punk Jones served as the sheriff for 28 years. They can be subjected to physical and sexual assault, robbery and even murder.. In 2021, Collin County officials made 18 arrests during 'Operation Safe Halloween' and seized a number of electronic devices used to contact young children. He said people have this "misconception" that sex trafficking only occurs in certain parts of Dallas. So that's why we have to educate. "We had a volunteer firefighter, a director of operations of one of the large medical systems here in the metroplex, we also had a semi pro hockey player who plays on the Allen team as well.". W&P Porter bowl review: A container that makes office Texas-based Corner Bakery Cafe files for bankruptcy, We tried the chicken fried steak that (briefly) shut down Mr. Juicy, Luna Rosa opens in former Rosario's Southtown location, San Antonio congressman Joaquin Castro diagnosed with cancer, San Antonio's massive pirate-themed park delays opening date, Buc-ee's plans global domination with a proposed Wisconsin store, DPS sent at least 3,000 drivers licenses to organized crime group targeting Asian Texans. Additionally, one of them received a charge of resisting arrest, but Bell County did not identify which. The men allegedly arranged online to meet at the hotels where they intended to pay for sex, authorities said. You go ahead., Alvarado, Jones ranch hand, roped the bull in a pasture and helped load him into a trailer. And then the ripple effect of that is we'll catch people that are making these types of offenses. January 20, 2023 / 10:14 PM Investigators also seized terabytes of data and electronic devices that were being used during the commission of these crimes. In June, Texas officials participated in a three-week operation, known as "Operation Lost Souls." A youth pastor. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, "I want to thank the investigators who participated in this operation for their hard work and dedication to bring this group of sexual predators to justice," said Collin County Sheriff Jim Skinner. It is common practice for officers to engage in this behavior in a prostitution sting in order to gain the suspects trust and carry out the sting operation in Texas. During this weeks operation, one of the defendants negotiated a price but arrived with no money. But theres a lot of demand in the suburbs.. None of the defendants have been indicted by a grand jury, which is the next step in the legal process. The operation coincided with the Department of Homeland Securitys Blue Campaign to highlight Human Trafficking Prevention Month, which is January. "In a previous sting, we arrested an individual with body bags, duct tape, and bleach in his trunk. 2023 FOX News Network, LLC. Those arrested also included a volunteer firefighter, a semi-professional hockey player, and the director of operations for a large hospital network in Texas. No, the sheriff replied, hed never gotten a report of stray cattle from anyone on the judges ranch, the records state. Hohman said it's important for people to be educated on the topic to protect themselves and their children. Officers responded to more than 700 messages from 73 different people in response to ads placed as part of the sting over two days. Each of the defendants arrests have been reviewed by the Bell County District Attorneys office and all criminal charges have been accepted, the release stated. In regards to sex trafficking and child pornography, Hohman said there's no bias and that people from all walks of life, jobs and backgrounds can commit these crimes. Right? So we'll go at it from that aspect first. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Human smugglers showed off their successful smuggling operation through a remote stretch of West Texas desert, posting a video online where they inadvertently revealed their location to law enforce Jones, the scion of a prominent ranching family and the top elected official in this sparsely populated West Texas county for the past 15 years, is charged with three felony counts of livestock theft and one count of engaging in organized crime potentially facing decades in prison if convicted. Busse, the sheriff, denied that to Baker. HOUSTON Six men were arrested and charged after a sex sting operation last week in Harris County, the Harris County Precinct 4 Constables Office announced ATLANTA: PROTESTERS CALL FOR 'VIOLENCE' AGAINST POLICE AFTER SHOOTING LEAVES 1 DEAD, OFFICER INJURED. This is one of many operations the Collin County Sheriffs have conducted. Don't Threaten. After trying fruitlessly to catch them by putting out feed as bait, Jones and Medlin and the other ranch hands rounded them up in September with the help of a helicopter. In addition to the trafficking task force, agencies that took part in this months operation included the Arlington, Colleyville, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, Irving and Midlothian police departments; the Collin, Dallas and Tarrant county sheriffs departments; and the Dallas County district attorneys office. A Harris County, Texas, precinct chief was among more than a dozen arrested Wednesday evening in an undercover prostitution sting operation, authorities said. 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