Nearly two dozen people were arrested during a multi-day undercover prostitution operation conducted by the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.
Constable Mark Herman said the operation targeted both the supply and demand sides of prostitution, with deputies making arrests at street locations and massage parlors along the FM 1960 corridor and in the FM 2920 area.
In one case, officials say a man identified as Ricardo Garcia allegedly propositioned an undercover deputy while his 5-month-old child was sitting in the back seat of his vehicle. Herman confirmed Garcia is the child’s biological father.
Deputies took the infant into custody at the scene and contacted Child Protective Services. The child was later released to a family member, officials said.
Herman said some arrests were made within 500 feet of schools, including areas near Spring High School and Dekaney High School. He said the office had received complaints about prostitution activity near schools and daycare centers.
Eighteen people were arrested over a three-day period in street-level operations. Four additional suspects were arrested at massage parlors following complaints of illegal activity, according to officials.
Herman said the operation involved multiple divisions within the constable’s office and required roughly 30 to 40 personnel each day.
The constable also announced plans for future joint operations involving all eight Harris County constables, saying they plan to coordinate enforcement efforts across precinct lines.
“Be careful who you proposition,” Herman said. “It could be an undercover deputy.”
Officials say more prostitution enforcement operations are expected in the coming months.