One man from Wise County, Texas, United States and 10 men from Denton County, Texas were arrested as part of a two-day sting operation conducted by the Denton County Sheriff’s Office. As a result of the operation, 12 possible victims of human trafficking were identified.
The Department of Homeland Security, the sheriff of Tarrant County, Texas and the police department of Arlington, Tarrant County also participated in the operation. Here is the list of the 11 men they arrested:
- Adebayo Felix Adetolu, 41
- Barry Dean Whatley, 56
- Dennis Michael Fontana, 54
- Jorge Luis Fernandez
- Jose Zambrano
- Kenneth Darrel Swick, 74
- Lontel Jahnar Johnson, 30
- Michael Anthony Ramos
- Rajeev Turner, 33
- Ruben Calderon
- Stevie Wayne Lamb Jr.
On December 7, 2023, the investigators focused on demand suppression. Investigators identified suspects who had arranged through online communications to meet someone to obtain sexual acts in exchange for money.
On December 8, 2023, the operation focused on victim outreach. Investigators responded to social media sites posing as someone looking to purchase sexual favors.
After being interviewed by investigators, the 12 potential victims were allowed to meet with counselors from Bob’s House of Hope, Kainos International, Refuge for Women and Unbound Now. All of the 12 individuals accepted the services offered by the nonprofit organizations specializing in helping victims of human trafficking.
CONAN Daily 