Undercover officers busted men, ages 20 to 70, for solicitation of prostitution. Some were arrested near Houston daycares and at least one school, Precinct 4 said.
HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — Complaints about high school girls being harassed by men led to a successful undercover prostitution sting on the northside, Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman said on Thursday.
Some of the suspects were also arrested near Houston daycares, according to Precinct 4.
“We will not tolerate solicitation of prostitution, and we certainly won’t tolerate it around our schools and around our kids,” Herman said at a news conference.
Undercover officers busted 14 men, ages 20 to 70, in two days, and charged them with solicitation of prostitution, according to Herman.
The charge recently changed from a misdemeanor to a state jail felony in Texas, even for a first offense. If convicted, they could get up to two years in jail. Prostitution remains a Class B misdemeanor.
Herman said several suspects had prior criminal histories, including assault, weapons charges, and prostitution-related offenses. Some also had open warrants.
Herman said they are focusing primarily on men because some prostitutes are victims of human trafficking.
“Rescuing victims of human trafficking and creating a safe environment for our communities are top priorities. We are attacking this issue from every angle, both supply and demand. My office has taken a firm stance on identifying and assisting trafficking victims while eradicating prostitution from neighborhoods and businesses in Precinct 4,” Herman said.
Residents who know or suspect locations or individuals engaged in illegal activity are urged to contact the Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Office at 281-376-3472 or submit a tip online at www.constablepct4.com/regulatory-enforcement-unit. All complaints or tips may remain anonymous.
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