Gatesville: Local protestors calling injustice for suspects in prostitution scheme

GATESVILLE, Texas (KWTX) - Close family friends of those arrested in a local prostitution sting say their loved ones were targeted because of race.

Friends like Kent Ford, claim the charges were unjust and the bond was set too high, leaving them believing the arrests were racially motivated.

“We just want to bring awareness for these minorities,” he said.

“They’re not capable of trafficking anyone or taking care of themselves.”

The investigation, known as Operation Fallen Angel, revealed numerous women, including minors, were drugged and transported to other cities in the state to be prostituted. Most of the bonds are set at $1 million.

Since then, family members and close friends of the suspects have called for the NAACP to investigate.

“We just want to make sure that all the facts are being looked into and these people are represented correctly,” said Austin NAACP President Nelson Linder.

Linder says an investigation into whether these individuals were targeted is what comes next. He adds while they may be guilty, it’s best to verify that and make sure they have their day in court.

“We’re going to make sure that there’s due process and that their rights are protected under the constitution,” he said.

“It’s what we call equal protection of the law, that’s all that we’re doing.”

KWTX reached out to both the Coryell County Sheriff’s Office and Ken Paxton’s officer but were unable to receive any comment.

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