Prostitution Busts in the Basin

Midland County Sheriff's Deputies have made several arrests over the past two weeks in connection with prostitution.

So far, deputies have arrested nine people acting as pimps, prostitutes, and escorts.

And when large events like the oil show come into town, deputies often take a closer look at what is being advertised in the paper and on the internet.

Keeping our streets safe  is what Sheriff Gary Painter says is the most important part of his job.

And when big events like the oil show take place, their job gets a little harder.

But with several prostitution arrests under his belt, Painter feels he is getting the job done and that Midlanders have nothing to worry about.

"Girls in a hotel room...they struck a deal sex for money and they were arrested," said Sherriff Gary Painter.

Seven people have been arrested in Midland for prostitution.

They put advertisements in the thrifty nickle and the website Backpage.com. And the police were looking for them.

 "There advertising we respond to it...before the oil show Backpage had only 5 or 6 and when the oil show hit it jumped up to twenty something," said Painter.

These ads forced Sheriff Painter to act.

Deputies set up a sting operation last Thursday, which put four females, one a minor and a pimp who is an argnetine national behind bars.

That Monday at a Days Inn on West Wall St., police made two more arrests.

One pimp and a prostitute who came from Lubbock. 

And their in trouble.

"We're looking at filing federal charges against these people because they used the internet and the telephone, were looking at getting with the FBI and working on some follow up investigations," said Painter.

And since one of those involved was a minor, human trafficking charges were put into play.

Painter feels human trafficking is the reason why their is a large prostitution problem in the Basin

 "A lot of the prostitutes that work under a pimp are doing it a lot of times because they are forced to do it or out of fear. Girls were going to get a small amount of money and the guys were going to get a large amount of money," said Painter.

But Painter promises he will make more arrests and keep Midland safe for years to come.

 "It's my job. I took an oath to obey the laws. My family lives here I am not going to put up with that trash I want it gone," said Painter.