SMITH COUNTY, Texas — **EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above is from May 18, 2022, regarding the lawyer for an East Texas convicted murderer being indicted on a solicitation of prostitution charge.
Nine people, including eight East Texans, have been arrested following a solicitation of prostitution operation conducted by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS).
DPS says the arrests were made between Tuesday, May 17, and Wednesday, May 18.
According to the Texas State Penal Code, solicitation of prostitution occurs if:
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.
The following people were arrested in connection with the operation:
- Jason Wilhelm Veihl, 45, of Canton
- Jeffrey Alan Watts, 64, of Tyler
- Chaminda P. Alwis, 53, of Tyler
- Allen Ronald Johnson Jr., 44, of Lindale
- David Balderas, 32, of Tyler
- Leonardo Hernandez Rodriguez, 23, of Lovington, NM
- Ryan Craig Burgess, 30, of Lindale
- Chester Ray Webb, 32, of Tyler
DPS says investigators with the Smith County TAG (Texas Anti-Gang Unit) assisted in the investigation and arrests.
If convicted, the suspects face up to two years in jail and fines not to exceed $10,000.