Officials in the Permian Basin have announced the arrest of two individuals following a human trafficking investigation. The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division (CID) worked alongside the Odessa Police Department (OPD) and the Midland County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) to address the incident, which took place in the Midland/Odessa region.
The investigation began on March 31 of this year after reports of possible human trafficking activities were received from a local hotel. Authorities identified multiple potential victims and suspects while conducting their inquiry. A crucial development occurred on April 4, when law enforcement officers were called to IH-20 and Grandview Avenue after receiving a report of a disturbance in a vehicle linked to the investigation. The Midland County Sheriff’s Office quickly located and responded to the situation near IH-20 and Rankin Highway with DPS Special Agents.
One individual, Damante Baty, aged 33, was apprehended at the scene. Baty faces charges for trafficking of persons, classified as a second-degree felony, along with driving with an invalid license. Another person, Talisha Hale, aged 26, was also detained on charges of possessing a controlled substance, regarded as a third-degree felony, in addition to public intoxication. During this operation, one victim was found and is now receiving victim services.
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