47 Arrested In Sex Trafficking Sting In Katy, Fort Bend County

HOUSTON — A multi-jurisdictional task force arrested dozens of men and women as part of an undercover human and sex trafficking sting in Katy and Fort Bend County. Sgt John Wall with the HPD Vice Division said law enforcement agencies took part in Operation Tri-Point between March 19 and March 28, which led to the arrest of 27 women, and 20 men.

“During this sting...law enforcement and victims services worked tirelessly to identify and recover victims of trafficking, apprehend the perpetrators responsible, and target predators who think buying sex is OK,” Wall said.

Meanwhile, eight were others were confirmed victims and eight were charged with human-trafficking related offenses, such as sexual assault of a child.

Some of those charged with sex and human trafficking also face other charges related to evidence tampering, and weapons and narcotics charges, Wall added.

The most rewarding part of the operation was the rescue of two juvenile females, who Wall said were now getting the help they needed and being returned to their families.

RELATED STORY: Fort Bend County Officials Briefed On Human Trafficking Increases

Earlier this month officials in Fort Bend County received a presentation from FBI officials about the expanding problem of human and sex trafficking from Harris County into neighboring counties.

Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton praised the operation and expressed his commitment to eradicating human trafficking.

"We realize it's a serious issue and we are committed to combating it and making sure that Fort Bend County is safe and that these traffickers are run out of our county,” he said.

Officials said other similar operations targeting human and sex trafficking would be taking place in Houston and other communities.

“This just proves that this kind of crime is everywhere,” said HPD Asst Chief J.B. Dale.

Anyone who is a victim of human trafficking or thinks there might be suspicious activity going on in their area is asked to contact the national human trafficking hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888 or the HPD Vice Division at 713-308-8600.

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