Dozens arrested in north Houston prostitution sting
HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A prostitution sting yielded dozens of arrests in the FM 1960 and IH-45 area of north Houston.
Harris County Precinct 4 Constable, Mark Herman, said business owners brought the prostitution issue to their attention.
Heather Aguirre manages Pet City Houston on FM 1960 and said drugs and prostitution have been a huge problem.
"Behind the store there would be random clothing. There would be used syringes," said Heather Aguirre, manager at Pet City Houston.
She said prostitution and drug use were so prevalent, they had to install cameras on the back of their building.
"I've had customers complain, 'Hey, they're asking for money. Hey they're trying to offer me this,' and it's crazy," said Aguirre.
Aguirre is not alone. Business owners in the area of FM 1960 and I-45 said they've seen a big issue with prostitution. Law enforcement was made aware of their concerns. They conducted an undercover sting which netted 44 arrests.
Deputies arrested alleged prostitutes, johns and found four victims of human trafficking, that had been forced into prostitution.
"The main thing is we got these folks off the road. Whether it be the actual prostitutes themselves or the four that alleged to be human trafficked," said Harris County Precinct 4 Constable Mark Herman.
Some were also arrested on weapons and drug charges.
"It makes me feel really good. I mean, I don't feel as nervous coming out in the mornings because of all the people that might be straggling around the building. It makes me feel a little bit more comfortable letting me know my customers aren't being bothered," said Aguirre.
