Five Telugu-origin individuals among seven arrested in Denton prostitution sting
Hyderabad: Seven Indian nationals, including five of Telugu origin, were arrested in a prostitution sting operation conducted by the Denton County Sheriff’s Office. One of the arrestees is facing charges related to soliciting a minor under 18.
According to a news release from the Denton County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, the operation, which aimed to combat prostitution in Denton County, resulted in the arrest of 18 men from North Texas. The Highland Village Police Department supported the Sheriff’s Office in the effort.
The individuals of Telugu origin arrested in Denton have been identified as follows: Nikhil Bandi is charged with evading arrest; Monish Galla is accused of solicitation of prostitution; Nikhil Kummari is charged with evading arrest; Jaikiran Mekala faces charges of solicitation of prostitution involving a minor under 18 and evading arrest; and Karthik Rayapati is charged with solicitation of prostitution.
The operation also led to charges against individuals from nearby cities. Solicitation of prostitution is categorised as a state jail felony, while soliciting a minor is a second-degree felony. Evading arrest and unlawful carrying of a weapon are both Class A misdemeanors.
These arrests have raised concerns among the students in Denton, as many of those charged are reportedly students themselves. The Sheriff’s Office has also noted that the Human Trafficking Unit is following up leads from this operation to identify others potentially involved in prostitution.
