Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez – HCSO Takes Action Against Human Trafficking – Harris County Municipal Utility District No. 150

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Human trafficking is a significant issue in Texas, with an estimated 313,000 individuals trafficked each year. Houston has been identified as the top city in the U.S. for sex trafficking, which is why the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) is dedicated to supporting survivors and holding traffickers accountable.

The HCSO Human Trafficking Unit investigates cases where survivors may have been incarcerated on unrelated charges. Once identified, these women are provided access to various healing and recovery services. The goal is to ensure that, upon their release, survivors do not return to dangerous situations.

Ahzuli Sosa, a devoted case manager and crime victim advocate at HCSO, works closely with survivors of human trafficking. She has experience assisting victims of all ages and understands the importance of compassion and patience during their recovery. Sosa aims to help survivors feel less isolated during their interactions with law enforcement and connect them to resources when they are ready to share their experiences.

One valuable resource is Families to Freedom, a volunteer-driven organization that offers safe transportation for abuse survivors. In 2024, Families to Freedom transported over 1,140 abuse victims across Texas, many of whom were survivors of trafficking.

Another strategy used by HCSO to combat trafficking is leading Operation Clean Slate, a coordinated effort with the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance in the Southern District of Texas. Undercover investigators utilize online platforms and social media to identify trafficking survivors and suspected traffickers.

In one operation, deputies positioned themselves at a local hotel to intercept women being dropped off by suspected traffickers. Many of these women are coerced into this lifestyle through threats of harm, and trauma bonds can often form between survivors and their traffickers, making it difficult for them to leave. The objective is to arrest the perpetrators while providing victims an avenue of escape, connecting them with essential resources such as healthcare and shelter.

During the operation, five suspected traffickers were arrested, and six survivors were recovered, including one minor. The HCSO continues to emphasize that human trafficking exists because of demand. Purchasing illegal services is a felony offense, and raising public awareness is crucial in reducing this demand.

Meet the HCSO Investigators Combatting Human Trafficking

WATCH: HCSO Operation Clean Slate: Rescuing Trafficking Survivors

HCSO Welcomes Honorary Deputy Romeo Gonzalez!

Seven-year-old Romeo Gonzalez, a brave cancer survivor, recently expressed his dream of becoming a police officer to HCSO Homicide Investigator Abigail Talip. Moved by his story, Investigator Talip and Major Ben Katrib collaborated to make Romeo’s dream come true!

On Thursday, January 23, 2025, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez officially deputized Romeo during a special ceremony. He presented him with a certificate, an official HCSO shirt, and some exciting HCSO goodies.

Romeo had the opportunity to experience the life of a deputy firsthand, including an exhilarating ride in a patrol car, a lesson on handcuff techniques, and a close-up look at the impressive equipment of the SWAT Bomb Squad.

In December 2022, at just five years old, Romeo was diagnosed with stage 4 high-risk neuroblastoma. Today, this courageous young man is a cancer survivor and will celebrate his eighth birthday next month! Romeo’s strength and determination have inspired everyone at HCSO.

“Deputizing children like Romeo is a cherished tradition at HCSO,” said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “We are honored to bring smiles and hope to these incredible kids.”

WATCH: HCSO Welcomes Deputy Romeo Gonzalez!

HCSO In the News

Lonestarlive: 7-year-old cancer survivor becomes honorary deputy at Harris County Sheriff’s Office

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office made a 7-year-old cancer survivor’s dream of becoming a police officer come true Thursday with a special swearing-in ceremony and tour of the office. Sheriff Ed Gonzalez officially deputized Romeo Gonzalez, presenting him with a certificate and several HCSO goodies during the honorary deputy ceremony.
Click2Houston: Memorial planned for Tomball woman killed in unsolved garage sale shooting

Elizabeth “Liz” Barraza, whose 2019 garage sale murder remains unsolved, will be honored with the unveiling of a memorial bench at Burroughs Park in Tomball on Thursday, Jan. 30. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and is being organized by Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey’s Office, in partnership with Crime Stoppers of Houston and Barraza’s family.
Houston Chronicle: Severe weather: How Texas agencies decide to close roads

When severe weather hits the Houston area, state and local agencies collaborate to decide when to close a road due to dangerous conditions such as ice and flooding. Freezing weather is expected to return to southeast Texas next week, with projected temperatures as low as 28 degrees, according to the National Weather Service– bringing a risk of icy roads.

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Teammate of the Week

Harris County Sheriff’s Office Teammates of the Week: Sheriff Ed Gonzalez and the HCSO highlight exceptional teammates who serve others above and beyond their duties. We regularly receive positive emails, thank you notes, and phone calls from the community.

“Deputy Gosney was the best! She has extensive knowledge and provided great assistance to us,” said a Harris County resident. “When our truck was stolen, she was able to locate it for us and guided us through the entire process, keeping us calm and comfortable the whole time.”

Deputy Nancy Gosney has served with HCSO for four years as a patrol deputy. She began her law enforcement career in 2014.

Thank you for your service and for keeping our community safe!

“Sgt. Schubert and Deputy Lowry were there for me during the worst period of my life. When I called Sgt. Schubert, she rescued me from a man who could have taken me away forever,” said a resident of Harris County. “Now I am thriving, and my health improves daily! You encouraged me to leave after finding me living in my car in a field in Channelview. If you remember me, please know that I am doing great. I have my family, and I’m grateful for you believing that someone can leave and change! I did, and I thank you!”

Sgt. Ashley Schubert has been part of HCSO for almost nine years. She is currently assigned to the 1200 Detention Bureau. Deputy Gregory Lowry joined our agency in 2015. He is currently assigned to the HCSO Boarding Home Detail.

Thank you both for your service and for keeping our community safe!

WATCH: HCSO receives Ballistic Shield Donation in memory of Deputy Fernando Esqueda

In memory of Deputy Fernando Esqueda, 23 ballistic shields were donated to our Multi-Agency Violent Person Warrants Task Force.

Watch as his team shares how this generous gift, made possible by the Asian American Peace Officer Association, Armor Upfitters, and PMR Law, helps them carry on his legacy and keep our community safe.