Attorney General Tim Griffin announced on Feb. 13 that nine men were arrested and charged with sexual solicitation following a multi-agency operation led by his office’s Special Investigations Division in Hot Springs.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and related crimes, which the Arkansas Attorney General’s office addresses through public integrity initiatives and community relations across the state, according to the official website. Griffin said investigators identified online platforms where men arranged meetings with prostitutes, some of whom were victims of human trafficking. “Earlier this week, agents in my Special Investigations Division led a multi-agency operation in Hot Springs that resulted in the arrest of nine men, all of whom were charged with sexual solicitation, a Class A misdemeanor,” Griffin said.
He explained that while previous investigations focused on shutting down illicit massage businesses—the supply side—this week’s effort targeted those seeking such services. “For the past two years, we’ve focused primarily on the supply side of these kinds of operations by going after the establishments where illicit activity is occurring. We have arrested seven individuals, including one mid-level ringleader, and have provided services to 30 victims. This week’s operation focused on the demand side,” he said.
Griffin condemned the behavior involved: “Make no mistake, this is despicable behavior, and it perpetuates human trafficking, plain and simple.” He added that their work was having an impact as evidenced by online comments warning others about law enforcement activity: “One individual said on an illicit sex website, ‘Looks like Fayetteville is about to be out of the happy ending business.’ Another user wrote, ‘Beware our state AG is on a mission.’”
The Arkansas Attorney General’s office offers consumer protection services and supports public safety initiatives throughout Arkansas according to its official website. The agency also provides resources for fraud reporting and community education programs according to its official website.
The nine men arrested were Vicente Santos (46), David Hicks (22), Jacob Benson (32), Edward Freeman (22), Antron Pearson (37), Isaias Martinez-Sanchez (30), Michael McConnell (32), Carthon Cooper (27), and Gustavo Gonzalez (28).
Griffin thanked multiple agencies for their assistance: “I am grateful to Prosecuting Attorney for the 18th Judicial District East Michelle Lawrence; Homeland Security Investigations…the FBI; Garland County Sheriff’s Office; Hot Springs Police Department; Little Rock Police Department; and Arkansas State Police.”
The Arkansas Attorney General’s office operates statewide providing legal opinions as well as handling civil and criminal matters according to its official website. The agency serves all Arkansans with legal protections at a state level according to its official website.
Tim Griffin has served as Attorney General since January 2023 according to its official website.
