Potential human trafficking victims rescued from Houston area nightclubs – Houston Public Media

More than 80 potential human trafficking victims were rescued from nine Houston-area nightclubs last week after a joint effort by state and local law enforcement agencies. Criminal charges have now been filed and the bar license has been revoked.

During a press conference Thursday, Kevin Lilly, chairman of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), said the alleged victims were found in a “maze” at the back of bars and clubs.

“It was terrible,” said Lilly. “Hidden rooms, cement floors – closet-sized with dirty mattresses. A real house of horrors hidden behind the trap doors and secret doors of these establishments.”

According to Ron Swenson, head of TABC’s enforcement division, the agency began investigating the clubs after becoming aware of the human trafficking allegations. That investigation ultimately led to more than 200 officers simultaneously searching nine facilities within 10 minutes last Friday evening, Swenson said.

They found 84 suspected victims, although due to the ongoing investigation not much information was given about the women found.

Swenson added that they also executed four arrest warrants in connection with the investigation. While Swenson declined to provide details about the allegations, he said they ranged from human trafficking to prostitution.

“We are taking a very victim-centered approach to this investigation,” Swenson said. “This will not be tolerated.”

Here is the full list of facilities throughout the Houston area:

• El Flamingo Club – located at 3715 Aldine Mail Route;
• Koko Bongo – located at 955 Federal Road;
• Los Escorpiones #2 – located at 1636 Federal Road;
• Los Escorpiones #5 – located at 2815 Luell Street;
• El Cruzero Sports Bar – 7715 W. Hardy Road;
• Bora Bora Sports Bar – 11028 Aldine Westfield Road;
• El Rinconcito Night Club – located at 743 Freeport Street;
• La Condesa – located at 8810 Jensen Drive;
• Las Margaritas Night Club – located at 210 E. Little York Road.