Special Agents with the Texas Department of Public Safety conducted a solicitation of prostitution operation that led to the arrest of seven

LONGVIEW – On Tuesday, June 7th, and Wednesday, June 8th 2022 Special Agents with the Texas Department of Public Safety conducted an solicitation of prostitution operation that led to the arrest of seven.

The Texas State Penal Code 43.021. SOLICITATION OF PROSTITUTION. (a) A person commits an offense if the person knowingly offers or agrees to pay a fee to another person for the purpose of engaging in sexual conduct with that person or another.  This charge is a state jail felony. Someone found guilty of a state jail felony can be sentenced to up to two years in jail and pay fines up to $10,000.

The following people were arrested for the offence of solicitation of prostitution:

Johnathan Rodriguez – 25 YOA of Mount Pleasant

Michael Cloud – 53 YOA of Mineola

William McClung – 61 YOA of Tatum

Michael Ovide – 49 YOA of Longview

Stephon Anthony – 26 YOA of Longview

Rafael Perez – 31 YOA of Longview

Marco Villanueva – 23 YOA of Longview

Investigators with the Smith County TAG (Texas Anti-Gang Unit), Longview Police Department, Gregg County SO and the Gregg County District Attorney’s office assisted in the investigation and apprehensions.