MIDLAND, Texas — Damonte Baty, 33, was arrested on April 4 on trafficking of persons charges after authorities say he transported two women from Dallas to the Midland/Odessa area, where he allegedly forced them into prostitution.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by NewsWest 9, Midland County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call about a disturbance in a vehicle along Rankin Highway. Upon conducting a roadside investigation of the vehicle, deputies arrested Baty for driving with an invalid license, the affidavit states. Inside the vehicle were two female passengers, both of whom were investigated further.
Officials reported finding a large number of condoms and bulk U.S. currency during their search of the vehicle. One of the women, referred to as Victim #1, was arrested on narcotics charges, but authorities later learned more about her involvement in a trafficking situation.
The affidavit states that Victim #1 had a wound on her arm, which she claimed was caused by Baty throwing a glass object at her. During further questioning, the woman allegedly admitted that she had been forced to take cocaine and engage in prostitution. Investigators also discovered electronic evidence on her phone, which revealed a pattern of manipulation and exploitation by Baty.
The woman reportedly told authorities that Baty had been receiving money from her via an electronic money transfer application and that she was not allowed to keep any of the earnings from her “dates.” She further explained that she wasn’t allowed to eat, as all the money had to be handed over to Baty.
A local “sex ad” featuring both women was also found on the victim’s phone, providing further evidence of the exploitation.
In his interview with authorities, Baty admitted to transporting the women and being aware that they were engaging in prostitution. He also admitted to taking a cut of the money, despite being in possession of most of the bulk U.S. currency found during the investigation.
Baty was charged with Trafficking of Persons, a second-degree felony, for forcing the victims to commit sex acts, taking money from them, and transporting them with the knowledge that they were being exploited for prostitution. The second woman in the vehicle, referred to as Victim #2, refused to speak with investigators, according to the affidavit.
Baty remains in custody at the Midland County Central Detention Center, with a bond set at $500,000.
