Today, February 20, 2019, the Dallas Police Department in partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners throughout the region, executed multiple search warrants at businesses in the 11000 block of Emerald Street. Search warrants were also executed at associated businesses including the 2000 block of Whispering Cove in Lewisville, Texas and one in the 2800 block of Bois D’arc Street in Commerce, Texas. 

Additionally, Dallas Police Department detectives arrested the following individuals who are directly responsible for the illicit massage businesses at the above locations. 

Arrested:

Pornthipa Khan* A/F/54 Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution

Steven Eix* W/M/53 Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution

Josip Maric* W/M/42 Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution

Yenrudee Anuson* A/F/44 Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

In the fall of 2018, the Dallas Police Department received tips regarding a number of illicit massage businesses in the 11000 block of Emerald St. Illicit massage businesses are often a hub of human sex trafficking and prostitution and a top priority for the Dallas Police Department’s Vice Unit. In collaboration with members of City of Dallas’ Community Prosecution /RISK teams at the Northwest Patrol Division, The Dallas Police Department launched an investigation It focused on businesses named “Jasmine”, “Passion” and “Charming”.

As the investigation was progressing, detectives were able to confirm that prostitution was occurring, and the three separate businesses were in fact, all connected by one group of owner/operators. Additionally, observations of these businesses seemed to indicate the possibility of trafficking persons into the business for prostituting them.

Steven Eix was taken into custody in Lewisville, Texas, by the Lewisville Police Department and the Dallas Police Department. Josip Maric and Yenrudee Anuson were taken into custody in Commerce, Texas, by the Department of Public Safety, Commerce Police Department, Texas A&M Commerce University Police Department and the Dallas Police Department. Pornthipa Khan was taken into custody in Honolulu, Hawaii, by HSI and the US Marshals Task Force.

Dallas Police Detectives also detained multiple individuals who were inside the businesses. Detectives are currently working to determine if any of those individuals are victims of trafficking.  Those found to be victims of trafficking will be provided with support services and diversion opportunities.

*The identity and charge information of any individuals arrested will be released in conjunction with our policy and only after they are formally charged with a crime. This investigation is on-going and the Dallas Police Department will provide additional details as they become availabler.