Houston PD Makes Another Arrest In Human Sex Trafficking

HOUSTON, TX — Houston police have arrested Marquis Dominick Holmes, 27, and charged him with numerous human trafficking-related offenses in Houston and throughout Texas. Accusations against Holmes include forced prostitution and, when a set amount of money wasn't made, severely beating the unwilling women and threatening the lives of their children.

An investigation by the HPD Vice Division Human Trafficking Unit determined Holmes forced and coerced at least 10 female victims to work for him in hotels and on the streets of not only Houston, but throughout Texas and the United States.

HPD said the victims were forced to perform sexual acts and, if the requisite amount of money was not made, suffered acts of violence from being struck with a vehicle, being severely beaten and assaulted, to having their children's lives threatened.

“This arrest should serve as a warning to those who exploit and victimize others. We may not get you today, and we may not get you tomorrow, but we are coming for you," said Lt. Jessica Anderson of the HPD Human Trafficking Unit. "HPD is committed to investigating and arresting those like Marquis Holmes and to providing justice for the victims. We do not tolerate human trafficking in Houston.”

Holmes is charged with five felony counts: two counts of trafficking of a person, two counts of compelling prostitution by force and one count of aggravated promotion of prostitution in the 338th State District Court.

Further investigation determined Holmes' whereabouts and he was taken into custody last Friday (March 30) by the HPD Human Trafficking Unit.

Anyone with additional information on this suspect or any suspected human trafficking incidents is urged to contact the HPD Vice Division Human Trafficking Unit at 713-308-8600 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.

Photo via Houston Police Department