The Bell County Sheriffs Department, with its partners the Bell County Authorities in Texas have arrested at least 30 people intending to buy sex and rescued a child over three days as part of an undercover human trafficking investigation 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 Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. 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. A high school teacher and football coach. Operation Janus allowed us to collectively support each other by sharing resources and intelligence to catch predators in the act. On Thursday, the Collin County Sheriff's Office announced its successful sting operation that took place from March 22 through March 24. Chief Deputy TJ Cruz explained that operations like these are meant to protect public safety and prevent human trafficking. The aim of the operation was to rescue child victims as well as apprehend abusers who were trafficking illegal images and videos of children forced into sexual But Jones supporters say he was set up. "The victims of these heinous crimes are treated like commodities, used to make as much money as possible, as quickly as possible," Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn told Fox 4. At Least 36 Dead After Trains Collide Head-on in Greece: Indescribable Tragedy', LIVE RADAR: Severe T-Storm Watch Until Noon, Powerful Storms Forecast for Thursday, The Pandemic Altered Many Things, Including Alcohol AbuseThese Are the Warning Signs, Mickail Dukes, Manifestation of Prostitution Dallas PD, Brandon Froning, Possession of Child Pornography Dallas PD, Justin Peters, Possession of Child Pornography Garland PD, Noah Craver, Possession of Child Pornography Plano PD, Vincent Hammack, Possession of Child Pornography Plano PD, Joshua Drake, Possession of Child Pornography Wylie PD, Michael A. Newhouse, Jr. 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 Tuesday. WebThe suicide of Bill Conradt was the November 2006 death of a local assistant district attorney in the DallasFort Worth metroplex after Texas police served him with search and arrest warrants stemming from a Dateline NBC Perverted-Justice online sting of men soliciting sex with children.. Perverted-Justice (PJ) and Dateline conducted their sting, PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK. Jones lawyer did not return phone calls.). The victims of these heinous crimes are treated like commodities, used to make as much money as possible, as quickly as possible, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn said in a prepared statement. Dallas police officer fired, another suspended over separate incidents, officials say, Thunderstorms roll through North Texas. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. A man was arrested in an international sting operation targeting drug smugglers. The Bell County Sheriff's Department says that the sting was part of a Human Trafficking Suppression operation in partnership with the Bell County Organized Crime Unit, the Fort Hood Military Police, and the Fort Hood Criminal Investigations Division. 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. And an operations director of a large hospital network. The men allegedly arranged online to meet at the hotels where they intended to pay for sex, authorities said. "I'm very happy to see those soliciting being prosecuted because if there's no demand there's no supply," said Chelsea Robertson. BELTON, Texas (FOX 44) A prostitution sting in Bell County has resulted in ten arrests. According to the warrants, the reddish-brown cow and calf and the black bull in the sting operation were taken to an undisclosed location to be cared for., Chicago Mayor Lightfoot ousted; Vallas, Johnson in runoff, King asks Duke and Duchess of Sussex to move out of Frogmore so Prince Andrew can move in, Biden Mocks Marjorie Taylor Greene With 1 Simple Hand Gesture, A Nebraska high-school cheerleader competed on her own after the rest of her squad quit. The operation was a partnership with the Bell County Organized Crime Unit, Fort Hood Military Police and Fort Hood Criminal Investigations Divisions. Notifications from this discussion will be disabled. that is degrading to another person. Why try to catch him if it was so hard? Those who traffic victims are the scourge of the earth, and we will continue to target those responsible for the trafficking and those who solicit sex from them.. BELL COUNTY, Texas - 10 people ranging in age from 23 to 77 from all over Central Texas were arrested following a prostitution sting in Bell County. DALLAS Forty-six people have been arrested in connection with a commercial sex sting across North Texas, including a volunteer firefighter, youth pastor, Men looking to pay for sex who responded to the undercover adds arrived at the hotels in Frisco and Southlake only to find police waiting for them. WebThe suicide of Bill Conradt was the November 2006 death of a local assistant district attorney in the DallasFort Worth metroplex after Texas police served him with search and arrest warrants stemming from a Dateline NBC Perverted-Justice online sting of men soliciting sex with children.. Perverted-Justice (PJ) and Dateline conducted their sting, (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.). 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. Theres no question about that, said Steve Simonsen, who is the Loving County attorney and married to a cousin of Jones. WebLike many other states, Texas police run plenty of sting operations. It's all over the metroplex.". Baker asked if theyd contacted the sheriffs office and Williams replied that it was above his pay grade. NBC 5 has also learned the arrested individuals include paramedics, firefighters, a teacher and a nurse and that some of the victims targeted young children, including infants. EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) In January 2022, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division (CID) conducted multiple Adult Prostitution Operations and Online Solicitation of Minor Operations throughout the West Texas Region. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. The story behind the cattle sting starts on March 2, 2021, when Special Ranger Marty Baker, 58, was dispatched from Midland, Texas, to Loving County to investigate the shooting deaths of five black stray cattle. So they put the mother in the pen and let her call her calf up, so they could catch it. I applaud the dedication of these task force groups, including members of the Dallas Police Department, to bring these suspects to justice. It's the biggest roundup from a prostitution sting operation in recent memory and shows it's a crime that's not just happening in urban areas. WACO, Texas (FOX 44) Twelve arrests have been made in a McLennan County prostitution sting. Anyone who is or who knows a potential victim in this, or any other case of sex trafficking or human trafficking or has any information regarding this or any other investigation can contact Homeland Security Investigations Toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-347-2423. WebThe suicide of Bill Conradt was the November 2006 death of a local assistant district attorney in the DallasFort Worth metroplex after Texas police served him with search A police sting operation in Texas City led to the arrest of two women on prostitution charges and 11 men allegedly seeking prostitutes, Texas City police said Monday. The backstory of what led to the arrests of Jones, a former sheriffs deputy and two ranch hands in May is chronicled in a stack of warrants obtained by NBC News. I never, never, ever had a conversation about stray cattle with the judge.. 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. Known as "Operation Home The latest attempt on July 7 to get enough qualified grand jurors failed for two reasons, he said. The sting operation comes on the heels of a new Texas prostitution law which went into effect on September 1, 2021, which turned the crime of soliciting prostitution from a Class B Misdemeanor to a State Jail Felony, which carries up to two years in state jail and a fine up to $10,000. Skeet Jones mentioned that he and his ranch hands catch stray cattle and sell them and donate the money to boys ranches in Texas. Six people were arrested on Feb. 22 and an additional four were arrested on Feb. 23. The names of the suspects were not released by federal authorities. ", Another concern is for those soliciting, who have often become the victims of other crimes. There are known incidents, though many go unreported, of johns being assaulted, robbed and, right here in Bell County, recently murdered, Cruz said. A high school teacher and football coach and a local youth pastor were among the 46 men arrested in a massive undercover prostitution sting in Texas, local and federal authorities announced. The Solicitation of Prostitution charge is a State Jail Felony, police said. The safety of alleged johns is also a concern for law enforcement. "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. The Waco Police Department said Friday afternoon that its And then the ripple effect of that is we'll catch people that are making these types of offenses. "In some of these stings you see blue-collar workers, executives, all types, but in this specific one, there's a number of first responders, and we expect first responders either help us in an unsafe situation, or we feel safe with them," said Hohman. So both forensically, reactively and proactively, we go after these individuals who are exploiting our children," said Detective Jeff Rich, with the Plano Police Department. According to federal officials in the Dallas branch of Homeland Security Investigations, one of the 46 men was Fort Worth pastor Lamarcus Strickland. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Get an email notification whenever someone contributes to the discussion. John Perez with Homeland Security Investigations oversaw an operation involving undercover officers placing ads that blended in with countless others found online. Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. (Jones and the other defendants declined to comment. The devices are being examined forensically and may lead to the investigation of other offenders and additional charges. Over the course of two days, officers responded to more than 700 communications from 73 different contacts in response to the ads. Each of the people arrested was charged with Soliciting a Prostitute, which in Texas is a state felony. U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, co-wrote legislation with Democratic Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar to reauthorize the Abolish Human Trafficking Act, which provides tens of millions of dollars to law enforcement and social-service agencies to combat sexual exploitation. On Wednesday and Thursday, digital ads were posted to known websites promoting prostitution. "Here in Collin County, we will continue to do what is necessary to protect our children," said Sheriff Skinner. Some of the conversation seemed strange at the time, Baker noted. Investigators also seized terabytes of data and electronic devices that were being used during the commission of these crimes. 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. Cecil Tim Morrison, a teacher at Marcus High School and the football teams offensive coordinator, resigned after his arrest for solicitation of a prostitute, according to the Lewisville Independent School District (ISD). "There are known incidents, though many go unreported, of johns being assaulted, robbed and, right here in Bell County, recently murdered, Cruz said. Baker asked. A Harris County, Texas, precinct chief was among more than a dozen arrested Wednesday evening in an undercover prostitution sting operation, authorities said. Baker, who declined to be interviewed, arrived to find Jones and his ranch hands loading the dead cattle onto a trailer to take them back to the P&M Jones Family Ranch. Fuchs said the investigation is ongoing and could result in more charges. Nov. 2, 2015. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism Many prostitutes are themselves victims of human trafficking, Cruz said. Each of those arrested individuals were charged with soliciting a prostitute, a state felony in Texas. North Texas Porch Thieves Becoming Bolder, Fort Worth Reviews Violent Crime Response Initiative. Jones and his family members through blood or marriage have a tight grip on the local government, serving as judge, clerk, county attorney and constable. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Last year, a 15-year-old girl disappeared from a Dallas Mavericks game at American Airlines Center and was found a few days later in Oklahoma City; three people were arrested on charges of human trafficking. J.D. There was a problem saving your notification. Can I still get Beyonc tickets? Law enforcement groups say over the course of the operation, 28 children were rescued from online sexual abuse, and investigators seized terabytes of data and Texas father sings 'worship song' to premature son who was given 21% survival rate, in a massive undercover prostitution sting in Texas, resigned after his arrest for solicitation of a prostitute, Fort Worth youth pastor Lamarcus Strickland, the Department of Homeland Securitys Blue Campaign. Additionally, one of the men received a charge of resisting arrest. 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. 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. Texas just became the first state to make a first-time solicitation of prostitution offense a felony. National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. None of the defendants have been indicted by a grand jury, which is the next step in the legal process. ", Perez added that this sting operation proves that sex trafficking is prevalent everywhere. If you have a subscription, please log in or sign up for an account on our website to continue. "By targeting those involved in this crime, we hope to disrupt this activity and provide assistance to human trafficking victims by getting them connected to the advocates and resources they need," said Hayes. It's not immediately clear which of the suspects listed below have obtained attorneys. Market data provided by Factset. Often commercial sex workers are the victims of sex trafficking because they are either underage or were forced into the role, Dallas branch of Homeland Security Investigations special agent Lester Hayes explained to Fox 4. Wheat. "Many prostitutes are themselves victims of human trafficking," Cruz said. What is a police sting operation? Right? Don't Threaten. January 20, 2023 / 10:14 PM You go ahead., Alvarado, Jones ranch hand, roped the bull in a pasture and helped load him into a trailer. Jana Kilcrease. A week later, a Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association market inspector told Baker the cows had turned up at the Big Spring Livestock Auction in Big Spring, Texas, about two-and-a-half hours away. They may be geared to catching online predators using sites like BackPage.com, drug dealers or johns using 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. The law went into effect earlier this month. Anyone who is a victim or has information about other local sex trafficking cases is urged to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). Bell County residents, who suspect or have knowledge of human trafficking or are in need of assistance themselves, can reach out locally to Aware Central Texas at 254-813-0968, or can nationally report by calling the Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or by texting "Help" to 233733 (BEFREE). Youth pastor, coach among 46 arrested in Texas sex trafficking sting, 90-year-old woman among 100 rescued from S.A. apartment fire, Hazy mornings coming to San Antonio on Friday, NWS says, Texas chain with San Antonio bakeries files for bankruptcy, How a viral chicken fried steak briefly closed down Mr. Juicy, Puerto Rican restaurant finds new life in former Rosario's spot, Report: San Antonio Rep. Joaquin Castro diagnosed with cancer, Massive pirate-themed San Antonio park delays opening date, 'Spreading the love': Buc-ee's begins plans for world domination, TX DPS duped into shipping at least 3,000 Texas drivers license, Spoon, Billy Currington, and more set for New Braunfels shows, 6 Cabo hotels for your spring break vacation, HOKA dropped a brand new version of their most popular shoe. Among the 46 men included a high school football coach, a youth pastor and a director of operations at a hospital. 10 men were arrested last week in a sting operation in Belton. 10 men were arrested Wednesday and Thursday in a sting operation in Belton. Use the 'Report' link on One was also charged with resisting arrest. Residents can contact Aware Central Texas at 254-813-0968 locally or can report nationally by calling the Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting "Help" to 233733. 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