Sex Trafficking Ring Busted in Arlington
Two people have been arrested for allegedly running a sex trafficking ring out of an Arlington business, Arlington police announced at a news conference Wednesday morning.
A raid that was part of Operation Safe Stage was conducted Oct. 23 at Chicas Locas, an adult entertainment business at 2711 Majesty Drive, Arlington police Chief Al Jones said.
The Investigation
Police said they received a tip in August that employees of Chicas Locas were performing illegal sex acts for money and distributing drugs, Sgt. Tarik Muslimovic of the Arlington police human exploitation and trafficking unit, said.
Tarrant County Human Trafficking Task Force investigators and Arlington police worked with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to conduct an undercover operation. They then served search warrants with the help of other agencies.
Arrests and Charges
Authorities arrested club managers Oziel Moseis Ramos, 25, and Ariel Ramirez Tapia, 40. They were booked into the Arlington city jail then moved to Tarrant County jail. They both face charges of aggravated promotion of prostitution, Muslimovic said.
Both were released on bond over the weekend. Ramos was released on $50,000 bond Sunday, according to Tarrant court records. Ramirez Tapia was released on $75,000 bond Saturday, according to Tarrant court records.
Seized Evidence and Additional Arrests
Investigators also seized drug paraphernalia and $13,000 in cash, Jones said.
Two customers were also arrested. Oscar Escobar, 28, was arrested on outstanding warrants, Muslimovic said. Alejandro Hernandez, 50, was arrested and faces charges of unlawful carrying of a weapon and drug-related charges.
Victim Support and Resources
There were under 20 victims ranging in age from 21 to late 20s who were offered services from partner organizations, Muslimovic said.
“This was a very well-organized criminal enterprise, not going into specifics on what their mechanisms were for controlling women, but they were effective in doing that,” Muslimovic said. “With our partnering organizations, we are able to cover every angle to ensure resources are available.”
Sgt. Tarik Muslimovic of the Arlington police human exploitation and trafficking unit speaks during a press conference about an operation that resulted in four arrests at an Arlington business allegedly running a sex trafficking ring, on Oct. 29, 2025.
Azul Sordo / Staff Photographer
Collaboration and Success of Operation Safe Stage
The operation was performed in collaboration with the Tarrant County Human Trafficking Task Force, Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, nonprofit Rescue Hill and other agencies.
“Operation Safe Stage was a success and I am extremely proud of the work that went into it,” said Jones. “We and our partner agencies sent a strong message that human trafficking has no place in Tarrant County, and we will use every resource available to go after those who commit this heinous crime.”
Conclusion
The investigation is ongoing and additional charges and more arrests are possible, police said.
Police and organization officials ask those who suspect someone is being trafficked or are being trafficked themselves to speak out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the national human trafficking hotline?
A: The national human trafficking hotline is 1-888-373-7888 and can also be reached by texting 233733.
Q: How can I report suspicious activity?
A: Suspicious activity can be reported to the Texas Department of Public Safety at 1-844-643-2251.
Q: What is the Human Trafficking Coordinating Council of Texas reporting system?
A: The Human Trafficking Coordinating Council of Texas has a reporting system accessible at iWatchTx.org and by calling 844-643-2251.
