Based in Austin, Texas, United States, the Texas Department of Public Safety recently conducted a human trafficking operation. As part of the operation, undercover agents posed as prostitutes online.
A total of 12 men were arrested in Odessa, Texas. They are accused of responding to online prostitution advertisements and trying to meet with who they thought were prostitutes but were actually undercover agents.
Bond for each suspect was set at $2,500. If convicted, each of them faces a fine of up to $10,000 and up to two years in prison.
Each of the 12 suspects was charged with solicitation of prostitution. Here are their names:
- Alex G. Garcia of Midland, Texas
- Ascary B. Parra of Odessa
- Brandon Lee Phillips of Pyote, Texas
- Christopher Hammons of Odessa
- David Nortan Walley of Liberty, Texas
- Gary Kenith Davis
- Jacob Reid Davis
- Jesus Barron
- John Nanez
- Justo Munoz
- Russell Hayden Pharris Jr. of Odessa
- Shane Wade Vincent
In other news, a single-engine helicopter of the Texas DPS crashed near the international border separating Mexico and the U.S. during a flight just before 7:30 p.m. on January 11, 2024. The helicopter was taking part in Operation Lone Star, which started on March 6, 2021 to counter a rise in human smuggling, illegal immigration and the illegal drug trade.
Both the pilot and the co-pilot survived the crash. The latter suffered a minor hand injury.
CONAN Daily 