11-02-2025
DPS: Over 20 arrests made in Permian Basin human trafficking operations
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement, made over 20 arrests and rescued four victims in a series of human trafficking operations conducted throughout the Permian Basin in January.
These efforts, according to DPS coincided with Human Trafficking Prevention Month and aimed to target individuals exploiting victims.
DPS' Criminal Investigations Division, Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division, and Texas Highway Patrol spearheaded the operations alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and multiple local law enforcement agencies, including the Midland and Odessa Police Departments, Midland County Sheriff's Office, and several other regional agencies.
ALSO: Love Shouldn't Hurt: Shedding light on human trafficking in Midland
'This was a very successful operation due to the outstanding collaboration of multiple agencies working toward combating human trafficking,' DPS West Texas Regional Director Jose Sanchez said. 'Human trafficking is on the rise, and we need the community's assistance in reporting it. If you see something, please say something.'
Arrests made in Human Trafficking crackdown
As a result of last month's operations, the following individuals were arrested for solicitation of prostitution, a state jail felony:
Jacob Urena, 26, of Oklahoma
Julian Asbiel Hernandez, 27, of Texas
Jason Lutkenhaus, 42, of Texas
Kenneth Kuethe, 69, of Texas
Gayton Rodriguez, 29, of Mexico
Raymond Ford, 61, of Oklahoma
Dennis Ruhmann, 53, of Texas
John Bishop, 56, of Texas
Brandon Lopez, 30, of Texas
Miguel Rostro, 34, of Texas
Larry Rodriguez, 31, of Texas
Jeffrey Wilson, 56, of Texas
Jason Flowers, 49, of Texas
Evan Palmer, 18, of Texas
Fernando Cardosa, 40, of Texas
Beyond the arrests for solicitation, DPS Special Agents worked jointly with the FBI and Midland Police Department in a human trafficking sting that resulted in the rescue of a sex trafficking victim and two arrests. Kimberly Rodriguez, 34, and Jayde Guerrero, 21, both of Texas, were charged with sex trafficking, a second-degree felony.
In another case, DPS Special Agents assisted the Monahans Police Department with a sexual assault investigation, leading to the arrest of Botero Hernandez, 27, of Columbia, who now faces a charge of sexual assault of a child, a third-degree felony.
Further efforts between DPS Special Agents, HSI, and the Odessa Police Department resulted in the rescue of an infant sexual assault victim and two more arrests.
Leiwin Lara-Hernandez, 23, and Cleyret Pacheco-Peraza, both of Cuba, were arrested on multiple felony charges, including aggravated sexual assault of a child, possession of child pornography, and promotion of child pornography.
Learn more here: Odessa child sexual assault suspects held by ICE
Additionally, DPS Special Agents supported the Ector County ISD Police in an investigation that led to the arrest of Bobby Lynn Harris, 66, of Texas, for possession of child pornography, a third-degree felony.
DPS continues to emphasize a victim-centered approach, ensuring that victims' safety, recovery, and stabilization are top priorities alongside the investigation and prosecution of traffickers. In last month's operations, four victims were rescued: a 16-month-old infant, a 7-year-old child, an 18-year-old, and a 23-year-old adult.
These investigations underscore the importance of collaboration among law enforcement agencies in fighting human trafficking. Public awareness remains a critical factor in prevention and intervention.
If you suspect human trafficking, call 911 immediately and provide as many details as possible.
Reports can also be made through iWatchTexas or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. You can also text 'BeFree' to 233733 for assistance.
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