PORT ARTHUR, Texas — Six people were arrested and booked into the Jefferson County Jail for solicitation following an operation in Port Arthur on Thursday.
Those arrested responded to an ad and "offered or agreed" to pay a fee to engage in sexual conduct, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Yonny Daniel Mendieta-Mendieta, 33, of Mexico, responded to an ad posted on a site known for human trafficking and prostitution solicitation.
When Mendieta-Mendieta arrived at the agreed location, he was taken into custody just after 4:30 p.m. by Port Arthur officers.
Corey Richardson, 31, of Orange, was arrested for solicitation of prostitution at 1:24 p.m. at the same location.
Six arrested for solicitation of prostitution following operation in Port Arthur
Beaumont Fire Captain William Horatio Ware III, 56, of Beaumont, was arrested at 11 a.m. after arriving at the pre-determined hotel room to engage in sexual conduct he offered or agreed to pay for. The city's Director of Communications Tracey Kennick confirms to 12News that he is facing an internal professional standards investigation. Following the investigation, actions can now be taken against him that result in suspension or termination.
Ryan Eric January, 26, of Lake Charles, was arrested just before 5 p.m. after going to the agreed meeting location, according to the probable cause affidavit.
Jerry Hanley and Joseph Haynes were also arrested as part of this operation.
Trafficking of persons is a second-degree felony, and solicitation of prostitution became a state jail felony in Texas for those paying for sex in September 2021.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if or when we receive more confirmed information.
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