EL PASO – On January 14-15, 2021, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), conducted an on-line solicitation operation in El Paso, Texas. The goal of the operation was to identify and apprehend people suspected of being involved in human trafficking by using various websites to solicit sexual acts from minors and adults.
Multiple agencies assisted in this investigation, including DPS (Special Agents and Texas Highway Patrol), HSI, El Paso Police Department, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, and the Border Prosecution Unit for the District Attorney’s Office for the 34th Judicial District.
As a result of the investigation, five suspects are now facing charges. Special Agents were also able to identify and open investigations on an additional five suspects.
The following individuals were taken into custody and booked in the El Paso County Detention Center:
David Varela, 33, of El Paso
Charge: Online Solicitation of a Minor
Michael Gilbert Martinez, 36, of El Paso
Charge: Online Solicitation of Minor
Juan Carlos Ramos-Aguilera, 53, of El Paso
Charge: Online Solicitation of Minor
Alvin Wendel Jackson Jr., 46, of El Paso
Charge: Prostitution, Person Younger than 18
Daniel Sarmiento, 47, of El Paso
Charge: Prostitution
This investigation highlights the partnership between local, state and federal law enforcement partners in working together to combat human trafficking. If you are a victim of human trafficking or have information about this type of criminal activity, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.
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