08-04-2025
Two arrested in sex trafficking bust
MIDLAND/ODESSA, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, the Odessa Police Department, and the Midland County Sheriff's Office arrested two suspects and rescued one victim, after a human trafficking investigation in the Permian Basin.
On March 31, DPS, OPD, AND MSCO launched an investigation into a possible human trafficking ring, operating out of a hotel in the Midland/Odessa area. Multiple potential victims and one suspect were identified during the investigation. On April 4, officers with OPD were dispatched to IH-20 and Grandview Avenue, after receiving reports of a disturbance in a vehicle that had been identified in the investigation. When the vehicle began moving, MCSO quickly located the vehicle and responded, along with DPS Special Agents near IH-20 and Rankin Highway.
At the scene, Damante Baty, 33, was arrested for driving with an invalid license and trafficking of persons, a second-degree felony. Talisha Hale, 26, was arrested for public intoxication and possession of a controlled substance, a third-degree felony.
The victim in this case was rescued and is receiving help from victim services.
If you are a victim of human trafficking or have information about this type of crime, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888. You can also report suspicious behavior through the iWatch Texas program via the mobile app, online at , or by calling 1-844-643-2251. Remember, all reports are confidential.
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