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East Texans arrested in solicitation of prostitution operation

The Smith County TAG, Longview Police Department, Gregg County SO and the Gregg County District Attorney’s office assisted in the investigation.

GREGG COUNTY, Texas — Seven men are behind bars after following a two-day solicitation of prostitution operation led by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

According to DPS, 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, of Mount Pleasant
  • Michael Cloud – 53, of Mineola
  • William McClung – 61, of Tatum
  • Michael Ovide – 49, of Longview
  • Stephon Anthony – 26, of Longview
  • Rafael Perez – 31, of Longview
  • Marco Villanueva – 23, 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.

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