A 22-year-old Houston man has been found guilty on sex trafficking charges in a case that underscored the grim realities of this illicit trade in two major Texas cities. According to an official release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Cristian Morris was convicted of two counts of sex trafficking and one count of enticement of a minor, a verdict reached after jurors deliberated for a day and a half following a three-day trial.
The prosecution presented evidence that between January 1 and June 23, 2023, Morris targeted young teenage girls, supplying them with drugs, posting sexually explicit online ads for commercial sex, and forcing them to perform commercial sex acts in hotels situated along the "blade" in Houston and Dallas. The "blade" refers to areas known for prostitution near the I-59 Southwest Freeway and Bissonnet Street in Houston, and Harry Hines Boulevard in Dallas, where sex traffickers usually place their victims. During the trial, three victims, whom Morris trafficked took the stand. They detailed how Morris would instruct them to walk the blade, how much to charge for their services, and provided them with condoms.
It was on June 23, the day when Morris posted commercial sex ads involving the youngest victim, a 15-year-old runaway, that his operation came to a halt with his arrest. While his defense argued that the victims were merely runaways and school drop-outs engaging in bad behavior, the jury did not accept this narrative, finding Morris guilty on all charges.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett is set to determine Morris' fate at a sentencing hearing on July 10, 2025, where Morris could face a maximum sentence of life in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. Following his conviction, Morris will remain in custody. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Valenti and Kimberly Leo headed the prosecution of the case, which showcased the collaborative work of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA). A coalition formed by multiple law enforcement and service agencies, HTRA focuses on identifying human trafficking operations and assisting the victims, while ensuring that perpetrators face justice.
Since its establishment in 2004 by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Houston, HTRA has received national and international recognition as a model in the fight against human trafficking. The alliance combines resources from federal, state, and local enforcement agencies, alongside non-governmental service organizations, to build a comprehensive counter-trafficking strategy.
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