Little Rock, Ark. – Nine men were arrested in Hot Springs this week as part of a multi-agency operation targeting sexual solicitation, Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin announced on Thursday. The arrests mark a new phase in the state’s ongoing effort to combat human trafficking and the illegal sex trade.
The operation was led by the attorney general’s Special Investigations Division, which has been investigating human trafficking linked to massage parlors for the past two years. Griffin explained that authorities shifted their focus in this latest operation to what he called the “demand side” of commercial sex activity.
“Make no mistake, this is despicable behavior, and it perpetuates human trafficking,” Griffin said, emphasizing the seriousness of the crimes and the harm they inflict on victims.
According to Griffin, investigators identified online platforms where men arranged to pay for sex, with some of the women advertising on these platforms being victims of human trafficking. This latest round of arrests highlights the connection between solicitation and broader criminal networks exploiting vulnerable individuals.
Each of the nine men arrested has been charged with sexual solicitation, a Class A misdemeanor. The suspects range in age from 22 to 46 and include: Vicente Santos, 46; David Hicks, 22; Jacob Benson, 32; Edward Freeman, 22; Antron Pearson, 37; Isaias Martinez-Sanchez, 30; Michael McConnell, 32; Carthon Cooper, 27; and Gustavo Gonzalez, 28.
Griffin noted that the attorney general’s office has made significant progress in its human trafficking investigations over the past two years. During that time, authorities arrested seven individuals, including a mid-level ringleader, and provided services and support to 30 victims. The recent operation in Hot Springs represents a continuation of these efforts, with a focus on preventing future exploitation by targeting those who solicit sex.
Griffin acknowledged the collaborative effort required to carry out the sting. He thanked Prosecuting Attorney Michelle Lawrence of the 18th Judicial District East, Homeland Security Investigations with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the FBI, the Garland County Sheriff’s Office, the Hot Springs Police Department, the Little Rock Police Department, and the Arkansas State Police for their assistance in the operation.
By coordinating resources across multiple agencies, investigators were able to track online activity, identify suspects, and ensure that arrests were conducted safely and effectively. The collaboration demonstrates the state’s commitment to addressing human trafficking from every angle, including targeting those who fuel demand for commercial sex.
Authorities emphasized that the arrests are not only a legal action but also a public safety measure. By holding individuals accountable for sexual solicitation, law enforcement hopes to disrupt networks that perpetuate trafficking and reduce the harm inflicted on vulnerable victims.
The attorney general’s office has encouraged residents and community members to report suspicious activity and to remain vigilant against human trafficking. Griffin’s office continues to work closely with local law enforcement and federal agencies to identify victims, provide support, and prosecute offenders.
This latest operation underscores the ongoing nature of human trafficking investigations in Arkansas. With a focus on both supply and demand, authorities aim to protect victims, dismantle criminal networks, and prevent future exploitation. As Griffin noted, targeting those who solicit sex is a critical step in breaking the cycle of abuse and ensuring accountability for all involved in these illegal activities.
The arrests in Hot Springs serve as a reminder that human trafficking and commercial sex solicitation are serious crimes with far-reaching consequences, and that law enforcement remains committed to safeguarding the community and supporting those affected.
