Tarrant County Operation Results in 115 Felony Arrests in Connection to Human Trafficking Ring
Tarrant County, Texas - Tarrant County Sheriff's Office recently concluded a successful multi-agency human trafficking operation that resulted in 115 felony arrests.
According to Tarrant County Sheriff's Office, investigators posed online for the operation, called “Buyer Beware,” as prospective patrons, and sometimes as children, to identify suspects. The men reportedly ranged in age from their 20’s to their 70’s.
The sheriff's office released the following collection of mugshots related to arrests made in the operation:
In a recent press conference, Tarrant County Sheriff Bill Waybourn stated the operation focused on reducing the demand which drives sex trafficking, as well as bringing more awareness to the heinous activity.
The operation was timed to take advantage of a new Texas law that went into effect this year on September 1. The law increased the penalty for soliciting sex (prostitution) from a misdemeanor to a felony, which will result in up to two years spent behind bars. Repeat offenders will face enhanced charges.
The partnering agencies in the operation included the Arlington Police Department, Fort Worth Police Department, The Texas Department of Public Safety, The Texas Office of the Attorney General, The Tarrant County Constables Offices of Precincts 3 and 6, The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, and Homeland Security Investigation.
Source(s):
Tarrant County Sheriff's Office: https://access.tarrantcounty.com/en/sheriff.html