Police investigate prostitution ring, human trafficking

JEFFERSON COUNTY - Investigators say they have broken up a prostitution ring that targeted Hispanic men who are in town for refinery expansion projects in mid and south Jefferson County.

Groves and Port Arthur Police, and other law enforcement agencies as well as hotel owners, worked together to put a stop to what they call one of the best organized prostitution rings in the area.

The Jefferson County grand jury has indicted Edwin James "Head" Johnson, 43, Casandra Rene "Honey" Lettau, 22, and Jessica Nicole "Honey" Gooden, 22, all of Port Arthur, on charges of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.

Investigators say they caught the trio with the help of a cooperating witness working under the direction of law enforcement.

Pictures of scantily clad women on coupons, homes painted in distinctive blue and white patterns, and a jewel-encrusted grill with letters spelling the word pimp.

"A very flamboyant, in your face lifestyle," said Marshal Jeff Wilmore of the Groves Police Department.

Investigators say it's the lifestyle of a self-proclaimed pimp and his two prostitutes-selling sex for money, enticing Hispanic men working at refineries and other businesses in Jefferson County.

Detectives say Edwin James Johnson, 43, known as Head; Casandra Rene Lettau, 22, known on the streets as Snow; and Jessica Nicole Gooden, 22, who went by the nickname Honey, handed out cards with the women's pictures and phone numbers to workers staying in local motels and apartments.

Marshal Jeff Wilmore with the Groves Police Department says the cards made it difficult on investigators.

"That was the problem," said Marshal Wilmore. "When the officers would call they wouldn't show up. If they had a card and were able to describe the card and they were Hispanic then they would come and do the service."

The 22-year-old women wore distinctive clothing investigators say was a sign to everyone that they belonged to Johnson.

His name was also tattooed on their necks.

Edwin James Johnson not only branded his women with tattoos but also branded his houses. They have distinctive blue and white checker patterns which is another way he trademarked his lifestyle. Blue and white are everywhere on the homes, including the siding, the windows and doors.

"Our information is that they were there of their own free will," said Marshal Wilmore. "However, everything was taken care of for them. They stayed with the pimp, lived with the pimp and he provided everything for them."

Investigators say the group carried on its business inside a number of motels, including America's Best Value Inn on East Parkway in Groves.

The owner cooperated with police and allowed officers to set up sting operations in rooms.

He spoke with KFDM News but didn't want us to show his face or use his name.

"It makes me feel good that obviously it tells me they are doing their job and cleaning up the bad stuff that goes on in businesses. I wouldn't want any of that going on on my property."

Marshal Wilmore says there are links to this group and others that took advantage of the women's customers.

"While in the room, stealing a wallet or some item of value from the tenant," said Marshal Wilmore.

Wilmore sees these three arrests as a success.

"To have a problem that doesn't go away because they are organized and smart and have a little bit of leadership about them, it is insulting," said Wilmore.

An insult no more, now that investigators have put a man they call a pimp and his two prostitutes in jail.

Each of the suspects remains behind bars.

Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity is a 2nd Degree Felony. If convicted they could face 2 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $10,000.

Because Johnson has several prior arrests his charge could be increased to a 1st Degree Felony.

JEFFERSON COUNTY - KFDM News has obtained documents and information from investigators who are probing what they call a prostitution operation in which they say a man employed two women who targeted workers and set up meetings at Jefferson County motels and other locations.

The Jefferson County grand jury has indicted Edwin James "Head" Johnson, 43, Casandra Rene "Honey" Lettau, 22, and Jessica Nicole "Honey" Gooden, 22, all of Port Arthur, on charges of Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity.

Groves City Marshal Jeff Wilmore tells KFDM News investigators have evidence indicating Johnson employed the women as prostitutes, and they met with clients at motels, apartments and other locations in Mid and South Jefferson County, including Groves, Port Neches, Nederland and Port Arthur.

Wilmore says Johnson 'branded' the women with tattoos of his name on their necks, indicating they worked for his operation.

The women also wore what Wilmore calls 'distinctive clothing' to show they were part of Johnson's operation.

Johnson's homes were also painted and decorated in distinctive blue and white patterns.

Wilmore says the suspects went to motels and other locations and handed out 'coupons' with their pictures and a code number. Prospective customers who called the number were told about the prostitution services offered, according to Wilmore. 

Wilmore said the operation only served people who had coupons, which made it tough on investigators to get information.

Marshal Wilmore says the six month investigation has been a cooperative effort involving Groves Police, Port Arthur Police and other agencies, as well as the motels. 

KFDM News has obtained Probable Cause Affidavits filed by the Groves Police Department for the suspects' arrests.

The following is the Affidavit for Johnson's arrest:

The Groves Police and Port Arthur Detectives were conducting an investigation into an organized prostitution enterprise whereas the above named defendant agreed with two other persons to engage in conduct that would constitute the offense of promotion of prostitution.

The above named person (Edwin James Johnson) performed overt acts in pursuit of that agreement. The investigation utilized the assistance of a cooperating witness who was acting under the direction of Law Enforcement.

The above named defendant transported two other defendants to (a motel) in furtherance of carrying on criminal activities, specifically facilitating a meeting with a cooperating witness for the purpose of sex for money.

Furthermore, the defendant is actively under investigation for human trafficking that involved sex offenses. Defendant has a reputation for sex trafficking and is a self proclaimed "PIMP" and in possession of associated paraphernalia. Also, Defendant is currently under investigation from Port Arthur Detectives for another sex offense.

Two other Defendants who participated in the criminal enterprise were also detained at the same time and arrested.

The above named defendant was detained and transported to the Groves Police Department for processing and then to the Jefferson County Correctional Facility located in Beaumont, Texas.

According to the affidavits for the women's arrests, they are accused of offering to engage in sex acts for money, and accepted money from a cooperating witness acting under the direction of law enforcement. 

Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity is a 2nd Degree Felony. If convicted, the suspects could face 2-20 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine.

KFDM News reporter Lindsey Kovacevich is investigating the case. Watch Live at 5 and KFDM News at 6 & 10 for more on the story.