RICHMOND, Texas – Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office made an announcement Monday about county officials’ fight to end human trafficking.
According to FBCDA’s office, officials collaborated with the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance and partnering agencies to conduct two multi-day proactive operations in August and September of 2022. In total, the operations resulted in 31 charges filed and 17 victims identified, including one juvenile victim, District Attorney Brian Middleton said.
According to Middleton, Operation Heatwave was a buyer suppression operation conducted on Aug. 17 and 18 in Sugar Land. The operation aimed to combat human trafficking in Fort Bend County by identifying and arresting those intending to buy sex.
Operation Sapphire was a victim recovery operation conducted Sept.14-16 in Meadows Place, according to a news release. The operation focused on individuals engaged in human trafficking and identifying human trafficking victims. Because of the undercover operation, authorities said nine traffickers were identified, as well 17 victims – including 15 adult women, 1 adult man, and 1 juvenile girl.
“Our law enforcement officers and partnering agencies taking part in these operations made a significant impact in the sex-trafficking trade right here in Fort Bend County. Whether in a residential neighborhood or commercial establishment, we are watching. And once we have the evidence to act upon, we will come for you. Fort Bend County is, and will continue to be, one the safest places to live because of operations like these. We are setting the tone – do not come to Fort Bend County to commit crime,” Middleton said.
The 31 charges that were filed included compelling, promoting, and soliciting prostitution, trafficking of a person, and gun or drug-related charges, the news release said.