Latest news with #LoveShouldn'tHurt
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
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. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
11-02-2025
- Yahoo
Love Shouldn't Hurt: Shedding light on human trafficking in Midland
MIDLAND, Texas (KMID/KPEJ)- This February, the Midland Rape Crisis and Children's Advocacy Center (MRCCAC) is launching the Love Shouldn't Hurt campaign, an initiative that aims to raise awareness about human trafficking and the deceptive tactics used by traffickers. Through education and interactive workshops, the campaign seeks to empower both youth and adults to recognize warning signs and stay safe. One of the most common methods traffickers use is called the boyfriending tactic; a calculated strategy where they pose as a romantic partner to gain trust, manipulate, and ultimately exploit their victims. 'Traffickers will fake romantic interest to figure out what needs aren't being met in a person's life. They'll then step in to meet those needs, slowly isolating their target before eventually exploiting them,' Brooke Manuel, Outreach Coordinator at MRCCAC explained. Hear what Brooke Manuel has to say about the different ways human trafficking can look; it's not always the white van stereotype we imagine. To help the community better understand healthy versus unhealthy relationships, the MRCCAC is hosting a 'Love Shouldn't Hurt Workshop' on February 26 at its center. The workshop is for youth ages 11-17 and will break down important topics such as: The warning signs of human trafficking The dangers of the boyfriending tactic The difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships How to identify red flags and protect yourself 'Many young people don't even realize they're being trafficked,' Manuel said. 'Often, survivors don't recognize what's happening until it's too late.' Hear Manuel's explanation on the red flags that indicate someone might be in a dangerous situation such as human trafficking: And while some may assume human trafficking isn't a local issue, Manuel said that it is very much a concern. 'People tend to think, 'This doesn't happen here.' But Texas has the second-highest number of reported sex trafficking cases in the country. It's happening in our own backyard, and that's why education is so important,' she explained. For those in need of immediate assistance, MRCCAC offers a 24/7 sexual assault hotline at (432) 682-7273. If someone is in immediate danger, law enforcement should be contacted right away. Additionally, the National Human Trafficking Hotline is available for support and resources at 1-888-373-7888. As the Love Shouldn't Hurt campaign continues throughout the month of February, MRCCAC is hoping to equip the community with knowledge and tools to identify, prevent, and combat human trafficking. To learn more, visit their website or or attend the workshop on February 26. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
