Eight Indicted in Connection with Deadly Sex Trafficking Investigation in Dallas

Eight individuals have been indicted following a sex trafficking investigation linked to a Dallas adult bookstore and a Plano residence, officials announced on Tuesday. The indictments stem from a multi-agency operation known as "Operation Midnight at Paris," which revealed extensive trafficking activities over the past three years.

Among those indicted are Montre Lamont Mason and Eileen Mason, who operated the Paris Adult Bookstore, located on Harry Hines Boulevard. The bookstore, which presented itself as a legitimate business, was found to have been functioning as an illicit brothel, according to Travis Pickard, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Dallas.

The charges against the eight defendants include conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, with some facing additional allegations of trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, as well as sex trafficking of minors. U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould indicated that the defendants could face decades in prison if convicted.

Six of the defendants were arrested on July 24, during which authorities recovered 21 firearms. The indictment alleges that the criminal activities began around March 2020. The investigation has identified numerous victims, including one Army veteran who was killed after being trafficked.

Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux emphasized the importance of the investigation, stating that the Paris Adult Bookstore will not reopen and that efforts will continue to combat human trafficking in the community.