HPD Seeks Public's Help in Locating Wanted Suspect June 15, 2007 - Houston police are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a wanted suspect arrested and charged in a compelling prostitution case involving two juveniles. On Sunday, June 10, 2007, Pedro Noe Espinoza-Escama (H/M, DOB: 2-22-86) and his girlfriend, Nelsi Y. Latuda (H/F, DOB: 2-2-72), were arrested on unrelated Class C charges and questioned in connection with a prostitution investigation. The investigation into the details and circumstances surrounding the prostitution case continued throughout this week with charges filed against both suspects on June 12, 2007. From the available evidence, investigators found sufficient probable cause to support allegations that Espinoza-Escama and Latuda forced two juvenile family members to engage in acts of prostitution. Both suspects were charged with two counts of compelling prostitution in the 230th State District Court. On June 15, 2007, Juvenile Division investigators found that Pedro Noe Espinoza-Escama (H/M, DOB: 2-22-86) had been inadvertently released on the original Class C charges. His girlfriend, Nelsi Y. Latuda (H/F, DOB: 2-2-72) remained in custody. Upon making the discovery, Juvenile investigators secured a warrant for Espinoza-Escama’s arrest and pursued a numbers of leads as to his whereabouts. New information continues to develop and investigators will follow all leads until Espinoza-Escama is returned to police custody. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Espinoza-Escama is urged to call the HPD Juvenile Sex Crimes Division at 713-731-5335 or Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS. Crime Stoppers offers a reward for all felony suspects, up to $5,000. An internal investigation into the facts and circumstances that resulted in the premature release of Espinoza-Escama is underway. VHS/GO/VK 6-15-07 For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200. |
