In a significant crackdown on human trafficking, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has made over 20 arrests while rescuing four victims during operations across the Permian Basin in January, as reported by the DPS on February 10th. According to DPS, this success came through a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, all with a common goal to address and disrupt the illegal and inhuman trade.
Among those apprehended for solicitation of prostitution, a state jail felony, were several individuals ranging in age from 18 to 69 years old; arrests include Jacob Urena, Julian Asbiel Hernandez, Jason Lutkenhaus, Kenneth Kuethe, and many others totaling over twenty suspects across different localities, the efforts of the DPS comprising the backbone alongside local and federal bodies were imperative for the operation, and these efforts reflect a larger, ongoing battle against trafficking. Contributing to the operation were the FBI, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, and a slew of local police departments and sheriff's offices, demonstrating a unified stance against these crimes.
"This was a very successful operation due to the outstanding collaboration of multiple agencies working towards combating human trafficking," DPS West Texas Regional Director Jose Sanchez was quoted, emphasizing the community's role in recognizing and reporting such illicit activities. Rescues in the operations ranged widely in age: a 16-month-old infant, a 7-year-old, an 18-year-old, and a 23-year-old, with DPS underscoring their victim-centered approach that values recovery and stabilization as much as prosecution of offenders.
In addition to the arrests for solicitation of prostitution, the collaborative efforts also brought to light graver offenses: Kimberly Rodriguez and Jayde Guerrero were charged with sex trafficking, and Botero Hernandez was charged with sexual assault of a child, whereas for the aggravated sexual assault of a child and child pornography-related charges, Leiwin Lara-Hernandez and Cleyret Pacheco-Peraza were arrested, demonstrating the seriousness of the situation and the heinous nature of the crimes involved. The public can help combat human trafficking by calling 911 immediately when they notice signs or contacting the National Human Trafficking Hotline directly.
