Arlington Raids Strip Club in Sex Trafficking Probe

Arlington police, working with the Tarrant County Human Trafficking Task Force, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, Rescue Hill and other agencies, conducted Operation Safe Stage and raided the Chicas Locas strip club on Oct. 23 after an August tip alleging employees performed illegal sex acts with proceeds going to managers. Two managers, Oziel Ramos, 25, and Ariel Tapia, 40, were arrested and charged with aggravated promotion of prostitution. Two other men, Oscar Escobar and Alejandro Hernandez, were taken into custody on outstanding warrants and on weapon- and drug-related charges. Officers said they seized multiple pieces of digital and physical evidence, drug paraphernalia and nearly $13,000 in cash. Authorities reported rescuing trafficking victims and connecting survivors with community resources, though accounts varied about the total recovered (officials said more than 20 while another report described under 20). Police said the investigation is ongoing, additional arrests and charges are possible, and the city is exploring civil enforcement against the business.