BEAUMONT, Texas — Three people were indicted Thursday in connection with a chilling crime in the heart of Beaumont.
Law enforcement saved a 12-year-old girl who had run away from home, from an apparent sex trafficking operation.
Police believe Toni Davis, 25, and Arthur Gilder, 23, were trying to sell the little girl for sex.
The crime came to an end at the Days Inn on 11th Street in Beaumont, following a sting operation in January.
Multiple agencies were involved in the investigation which found that the girl was being sold through ads on a website.
Kim Pipkin, who is the Special Crimes Chief in the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office, said "It's extremely unsettling to know that something like this can happen to a 12-year-old."
Pipkin worked this case and says BPD received a tip that a young girl was involved in sex trafficking.
During the investigation, police set up what they call a "date" at the Days Inn on 11th Street in north Beaumont.
That's when they found the 12-year-old girl.
"She was taken for medical care, you know that's one of our first steps," said Pipkin. "We always want to make sure the victim is okay."
Officers arrested Davis and Gilder on January 30 during a sting operation.
The next day, investigators arrested Andre Tucker, 23, at his house, who is believed to have engaged in sexual acts with the girl in exchange for money.
People in Beaumont call the allegations heartbreaking.
"You feel pain for the child being injured, but second you're proud that your police department is on it," said Beaumont resident Richard Morreale. "They're stopping further children from being injured from the trash like these guys."
The investigation revealed dozens of ads online that were posted to solicit the young girl.
Pipkin said "I wish I could say that this was rare, or uncommon, but the reality is it's not."
She tells us the location of motels to Interstate 10, unfortunately, makes trafficking children more accessible.
Morreale wants everyone to help put an end to this horrific crime.
"Unfortunately, you are looking at a case of supply and demand," said Morreale. "These people are supplying something that some sick individuals are demanding...it's got to be stopped, it's got to be stopped."
Law enforcement. nurses, the Garth House, and other organizations have come together to create the "Southeast Texas Alliance Against Trafficking" (STAAT).
It was created in October and serves Jefferson, Hardin, Orange, Tyler, Newton & Jasper counties.
The purpose is to help prevent child sex trafficking as well as help victims with services they need.
STAAT plans to expand to adult and labor trafficking in the near future.