HOUSTON – Local leaders, including Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg gathered to discuss the latest efforts to reduce human trafficking in our community in a news conference on Wednesday.
Most recently, the Houston Police Department have zoned in and increased patrols in what is known as the notorious “Bissonnet Track.”
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The news conference also addressed efforts to find and recapture a 34-year-old fugitive pimp, Thaddeus Allen, who officials say fled the area before his sentencing.
Reward increases to help find Bissonnet Track pimp
Andy Kahan, directors of victim services with Houston Crime Stoppers, announced that they are offering to pay up to $15,000 information that will lead to Allen’s arrest.
On April 23, a grand jury recommended a 75-year sentence for Allen, but officials said he took off prior to his sentencing. He was apparently out on a $200,000 bond, despite being on parole for 11 previous felony convictions, which were all related to violent human trafficking offenses.
According to prosecutors, Lewis allegedly used force, fraud and coercion to cause four adult women to engage in commercial sex. The indictment alleges some of the acts occurred on the Bissonnet Track, an infamous area of Houston known to be plagued by prostitution and prostitution-related crimes.
He also coerced the women to do similar acts across state lines, according to the charges.
“This reward shows how seriously we in law enforcement and local community groups are taking the fight against human trafficking and the sex trade,” Ogg said. “Allen makes his living off the degradation and abuse of young trafficking victims. Now we want him back to serve his sentence.”
Those with information about Allen are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 713-222-8477.
HPD collaborates with Harris County DA’s Office
Ogg said the District Attorney’s Office continues to work with the Houston Police Department to hold people accountable who are making the money in human trafficking and prostitution, which she says is usually men.
“Prostitution has always been looked ay as a victimless crime for decades,” she said. " Prostitution is called human trafficking and human trafficking is modern day slavery.”
In May, and earlier this month, KPRC 2 Investigates reported increased police presence in the area every night, where officers had shut down side streets, including troubled Centre Parkway.
“Shutting them down after hours, we don’t want to impede business hours. But after hours, we’re shutting those streets down. We’re putting barricades up. We want them to know that type of business is closed,” said Houston City Councilmember Edward Pollard.
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