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A Katy man has been arrested for allegedly operating a sex trafficking ring out of his home for more than a year. The arrest was part of a multi-agency effort called “Operation Freedom.”
Naazir Jackson, 29, from the Cinco Ranch South Lake subdivision, was arrested Nov. 10 and charged with compelling prostitution, a first-degree felony, and promotion of prostitution, a third-degree felony.
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Three victims were rescued in the operation.
The investigation began more than a year ago, when the first victim came forward, according to Craig Priesmeyer, assistant district attorney for the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office.
According to the arrest warrant, the victim believed she was in a relationship with Jackson after meeting him on popular dating app Tinder. Shortly after they began dating, the victim said, Jackson started promoting her for prostitution on Instagram, Tinder, Pornhub, Facebook and Adult Friend Finder.
The victim stated that in the span of two months, Jackson earned more than $7,500 by prostituting her. The suspect used his personal residence as a hub for this activity, Thompson said.
Thompson noted that the investigation took more than a year because human trafficking cases require careful timing.
“Unfortunately, although our initial desire is to always rush in and end everything, in this case, because it’s so intricate and involved as with most human trafficking cases, it takes us a while,” he said.
The operation was a joint endeavor between the Fort Bend County Constable’s Office Precinct 3, the Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office and the Community Volunteer Fire Department.
Deputies arrested Jackson in his home using equipment and personnel from the fire department, Thompson said.
“This team allowed us to have tactical medics serving alongside our SWAT operators and to use an armored vehicle during these high-risk search and arrest warrant situations, as was the case in this arrest,” he said.
Priesmeyer said that sex traffickers prey on the vulnerable.
“No matter if it’s the school or social media applications … we have individuals who are reaching out and finding the most vulnerable of our community to become victims,” he said.
Priesmeyer stated that his office believes there are more victims involved in the operation. None of the recovered victims are minors, he noted, but it is possible that some of the unknown victims are children.
Thompson added that any victims who are afraid to come forward due to illegal status will not be charged with crimes.
“We’re not concerned about (the victim’s) citizenship status if they’re being raped and prostituted,” Thompson said. “ If you have been placed in that situation, and you’re in fear that law enforcement is going to take you to jail for something, that’s not going to happen.”
Priesmeyer encouraged possible victims to come forward and asked the community to report any potential trafficking activity to alert authorities. To contact human trafficking authorities, call 888-373-7888 or 911.
“Trafficking can happen within the county. It can happen within your city. It can happen within your neighborhood. It can happen right next door,” Priesmeyer said. “That’s why we are asking the community, if you have information … if you think that it’s going on, say something. That is how we kick it off.”
claire.goodman@chron.com
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