Three individuals were arrested in North Texas on Tuesday during a human trafficking investigation, according to the Johnson and Somervell Counties District Attorney’s Office.
Investigators served search warrants at Cleburne Massage, Waterfall Massage, and East Massage (formerly Best Massage) in Burleson on December 16 as part of the probe, a DA’s office spokesperson told the Star-Telegram.
Consepsion Manriquez and Charles Eugene Evans were each charged with continuous trafficking of persons and racketeering, with bonds set at $1.35 million. Jie Deng faces a charge of continuous trafficking of persons, with a bond of $850,000.
Authorities also seized two handguns, $3,330 in cash, evidence of sex trafficking, and multiple electronic and data storage devices. “This investigation has uncovered established criminal ties to other locations in Texas, multiple other states, and internationally,” the DA’s office said.
All victims involved were adult women. District Attorney Timothy M. Good emphasized the importance of protecting individual rights and personal safety in the counties. “For those who visit the businesses engaged in these illicit activities, this is a warning to you. You are personally victimizing someone who is being exploited. There will be consequences for your actions,” Good stated.
The investigation is ongoing, with additional arrests and search warrants expected. The probe involved the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, Johnson County DA’s Office, FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety, Burleson Police Department, and Cleburne Police Department.
