MIDLAND COUNTY, TX -- During the month of July, the Texas Department of Public Safety's (DPS) Criminal Investigation Division of Midland led a human trafficking operation resulting in 34 arrests.
The multi-agency operation looked into potential adults who were soliciting underage children online, according to the DPS. Victims of the trafficking were also rescued as a result of the investigation.
The 34 suspects arrested face various charges including, but not limited to, online solicitation, prostitution, and sexual performance of a minor.
The DPS held a press conference this morning in Midland to discuss the operation.
"The dedicated individuals involved in operation Damascus, a multi-agency effort, lead to the arrest of 34 suspects," a DPS official stated at the conference.
During the 10 day operation, 9 were arrested for online solicitation of a minor, three were arrested for prostitution, and 18 were arrested for prostitution-solicitation of a minor under the age of 18.
In addition, DPS executed seven warrants which led to four additional arrests on Friday. Three suspects are still being sought by DPS.
The District Attorney for Midland County Laura A. Nodolf said the State will work diligently to proceed with the charges of these suspects and will work on determining which cases will be tried federally and which will remain as state charges.
The agencies involved in assisting with the DPS operation include the Midland Police Department, Midland County District Attorney's Office, FBI and Homeland Security.
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