Law enforcement agencies across the Permian Basin arrested 18 people and rescued two victims, including a child, during an October human trafficking sweep.
The multi-agency operation targeted prostitution and online solicitation of minors throughout West Texas. The sting highlights ongoing trafficking concerns in Texas’s oil-rich region, where transient workers and isolated communities can create vulnerabilities.
The Texas Department of Public Safety led the operation, with support from local police, sheriff’s offices, and federal agencies. The arrests spanned multiple counties in the Permian Basin.
Four suspects face charges of online solicitation of a minor: Michael Rayos Jr., 34; Rahim Mason, 27; Shane Walker Gilbert, 25; and Christopher Tellez, 24.
The remaining 14 face prostitution-related charges.
Among those arrested, Guadalupe Deyanira Luna, 27, was charged with prostitution with at least one previous conviction. Ricardo Gallardo Enrique, 25, and Todd Shannon Brewer, 34, face charges of promoting prostitution.
Six men were charged with soliciting prostitution: James Campbell Hoffman, 42; Douglas Michael Wohleking, 42; Joseph Bodnar, 42; Jrondrick Wreon Wesley, 34; Joshua Antonio Espinoza, 38; and Kenson Yutang Wong, 42.
Seven others face prostitution charges, including Heather Nicole Cisneros, 37, and Myranda Brewer, 33. The group also includes Tayashawnnia Monae Mahone, 26; Ayleen Angelina Peitz-Trujillo, 21; and Adianis Danay Avila Martinez, 23.
DPS emphasized its victim-centered approach, which prioritizes victim safety and recovery alongside prosecuting traffickers. The agency connected both rescued victims to support services.
Investigations remain active, with special agents pursuing additional suspects identified during the operation. The department urged citizens to report suspected trafficking by calling 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.