HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – Twenty-one people were arrested in an undercover prostitution sting that took place this past week in north Houston, the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office said at a press conference Friday morning.
Officers conducted the two-day undercover operation in areas of high-level prostitution in close proximity to schools, day care centers, businesses and residential neighborhoods.
The operation targeted areas along FM 1960.
The purpose of the undercover operation was to curtail prostitution by not only targeting the prostitutes on the streets, but just as important, targeting the "johns" who solicit sex for money, according to the press release.
Female officers went undercover as prostitutes and caught 19 men who solicited them, Officer Mark Merman said.
“You never know. That female that you’re hitting on out there could be an undercover police officer,” Herman said.
As a result of the operation, 20 were charged with prostitution and one was charged with two counts of felony drug possession, according to the press release.
There were two individuals with the last name Buckley who were uncle and nephew, Herman said. The uncle was arrested in possession of narcotics and the nephew was arrested for prostitution solicitation.
One man came up to the officers with a 1-year-old baby in his arms, Herman said.
The man was identified as Gregory Taylor McCartney.
The constable’s office advised that persons choosing to participate in illicit sexual conduct are risking exposure to an assortment of sexually transmitted diseases and should seek medical attention.
During these operations, one person arrested alleged to be infected with AIDS, according to the press release.
The constable’s office said that tips can be sent anonymously through their website or called in to 281-376-3472.
[PHOTO: 22 arrests made in prostitution sting]
Those arrested are facing charges related to prostitution and soliciting.