ARLINGTON, Texas — A coordinated effort by the Arlington Police Department and partner agencies has led to multiple arrests and the disruption of a sex trafficking ring operating out of an Arlington business.
The operation, dubbed “Operation Safe Stage,” was executed on October 23, 2025, at Chicas Locas, an adult entertainment venue.
The Tarrant County Human Trafficking Task Force, along with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC), Rescue Hill, and other agencies, joined forces with the Arlington Police Department (APD) to carry out the operation, according to a press release from the department. The investigation began in August 2025 when the APD Human Exploitation and Trafficking (HEAT) Unit received reports of illegal sex acts and narcotics sales at the club.
Undercover detectives and TABC agents gathered sufficient evidence to secure search and arrest warrants. During the operation, 25-year-old Oziel Ramos and 40-year-old Ariel Tapia, both club managers, were arrested and charged with Aggravated Promotion of Prostitution. They are currently held at the Tarrant County Jail.
Additionally, 28-year-old Oscar Escobar was apprehended on multiple outstanding misdemeanor warrants, and 50-year-old Alejandro Hernandez was arrested for Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon and drug-related charges. Officers seized digital and physical evidence, drug paraphernalia, and nearly $13,000 in cash from the club.
The investigation is ongoing, and further charges and arrests are anticipated. The Arlington Police Department is also considering civil enforcement actions against Chicas Locas. “Operation Safe Stage was a success, and I am extremely proud of the work that went into it,” said Chief of Police Al Jones. “We and our partner agencies sent a strong message that human trafficking has no place in Tarrant County.”
More than 900 resource hours have been dedicated to this investigation, and the department continues to collaborate with partner agencies to combat human trafficking.