Denton County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 18 men, including seven of Indian descent, during a recent prostitution suppression sting operation. The operation, which aimed to curb prostitution in Denton County, resulted in several serious charges, including one individual charged with soliciting a minor.
**PRESS RELEASE** pic.twitter.com/LnYMYNoktZ
— Denton Co Sheriff (@DentonCoSheriff) August 19, 2024
The arrested individuals of Telugu origin are identified as Nikhil Bandi, Monish Galla, Nikhil Kummari, Jaikiran Mekala, and Karthik Rayapati. Their charges range from evading arrest to soliciting prostitution. In addition to these charges, two people were detained for allegedly soliciting prostitution from minors, while three were arrested for evading arrest and two others for illegal firearm possession.
Under state law, soliciting prostitution from minors is a second-degree crime, and solicitation of prostitution is classified as a state jail felony. The illegal carrying of a firearm and evading arrest are considered Class A misdemeanors.
The Highland Village Police Department assisted in the operation, which is part of a broader effort to address human trafficking and prostitution in the area. The Sheriff’s Office’s Human Trafficking Unit is now investigating additional individuals potentially involved in prostitution.