March 4, 2015 - In an effort to significantly impact illegal sexually oriented businesses and deter those who frequent them, the Houston Police Department Vice Division recently conducted an investigation that led to prostitution-related charges against 64 suspects.  

The suspects' names and charge information will be provided at a 10 a.m. news availability today (Wednesday, March 4).  Photos of the suspects can be viewed on the HPD Flickr account at https://www.flickr.com/photos/houstonpolice/sets/72157650719268420/

On January 20, the HPD Vice Division initiated a pro-active investigation by opening and operating a "modeling studio" in the southwest Houston area.  Hundreds of potential customers contacted the studio with the intent to buy sex.  HPD Vice officers were able to identify and charge 64 males who ultimately went to the location and agreed to purchase sex from undercover officers.  

An audio file of an attempted transaction is available on the HPD YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/GvNcfQpHQuI  

On February 19, investigators in the HPD Vice Division, with assistance from the HPD Warrant Execution Team and various tactical units arrested the suspects.  Video of some of the arrests can be viewed on the HPD YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/cbyCZLPMqFs

HPD's goal is to lower the demand for sex trafficking which often involves under-age girls and women being abused and coerced into prostitution.  By targeting patrons, the hope is to reduce demand for these illegal businesses and the exploited women forced into them.  

Anyone with information on these types of cases is urged to contact the HPD Vice Division at 713-308-8600.  
At 10 a.m. TODAY (Wednesday, March 4), an investigator from the HPD Vice Division will be available to answer questions regarding this investigation in the first floor Media Briefing Room of HPD Headquarters at 1200 Travis.  




VHS/KJS  3-4-15