They Came Looking for Sex. They Found Deputies Instead in “Police Navidad” Sting

The sheriff’s office says the corridor has become a hotspot for complaints involving prostitution, gangs, and theft.

Deputies conducted undercover operations during daylight hours.

“We’re out in broad daylight right now. Our undercovers are in plain view, and we’re waiting for the lunch hour—that’s the prime time for this type of activity,” said Sheriff Javier Salazar.

From a nearby command center, deputies monitored interactions between undercover officers and those approaching them. One sergeant even joked about holding wedding rings for the female deputies.

“One of the deputies is married to an undercover officer, and he showed me—jokingly—that he’s wearing a necklace with all of their wedding rings for safekeeping,” Salazar said.

The sheriff emphasized that the operation’s goal is not just making arrests, but also protecting women trapped in cycles of exploitation.

“These cases are not like Pretty Woman. Many of these women are struggling with addiction, and people who exploit them are taking advantage of someone who may not be in their right mind,” he said.

Salazar added that some women in the area are victims of trafficking, forced into prostitution, and unable to leave. During the operation, one man attempting to board a VIA bus was arrested shortly after trying to walk away.

The Austin Highway corridor, the sheriff noted, is a patchwork of upscale neighborhoods and areas that attract criminal activity.

“There are some seedy spots, and then just a few blocks away, million-dollar homes. We want to keep every neighborhood safe. Kids walk to school here daily,” he said.

During a ride-along, deputies also made arrests in unrelated cases, including mail theft and a felony warrant. Salazar said such arrests are common during these stings.

In recent months, similar operations have yielded significant results. Operation Unlucky Strike in July led to 30 arrests, while last week’s Operation Street Sweep resulted in 11 more arrests tied to solicitation and related crimes.

“The majority of these people are U.S. citizens, likely just looking to have a good time. But in doing so, they’re fueling the human trafficking industry,” Salazar said.

He stressed that success is measured not by the number of arrests, but by reducing criminal activity in the area.

“If someone is conducting illegal activity, our job is to catch them and take them to jail,” he said.

The sheriff’s office hopes that the visibility of operations like this will deter future crimes.

“We want people to see deputies on the streets and think twice before committing a crime,” Yami Virgin reported.