HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A chief for Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office was arrested and charged Wednesday after being caught up in an undercover prostitution operation, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office said.
Chief Deputy Brian Harris was charged with soliciting prostitution, authorities said. He is currently in the Montgomery County Jail.
The MCSO Organized Crime Unit, in cooperation with Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA), conducted an undercover sting operation at a local hotel, resulting in the arrests of 14 suspects for solicitation of prostitution, authorities said.
“We are sending a message that we are not going to tolerate this activity in our community,” a news release from MCSO said. “We will arrest and charge those who engage in this illicit act. We will also continue to identify those who have been forced into trafficking by rescuing them from their situations and connecting them with services to help with their recovery.”
According to Harris’ LinkedIn page, he was a veteran homicide detective for the Houston Police Department before retiring. Harris’ LinkedIn page says he has over 26 years of experience in law enforcement.
Precinct 5 released the following statement:
“Precinct 5 Constable Ted Heap was notified Wednesday night that a Precinct 5 assistant chief was arrested on charges of solicitation of prostitution in Montgomery County. Chief Brian Harris has been relieved of duty.
‘We hold our deputies to the highest standard,’ said Constable Heap. ‘His termination is effective immediately.’”